New Somalia Prime Minister sworn in

Somalia has sworn in a new Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire after a vote of confidence by the country’s Parliament.

Khaire, a former executive of British energy explorer Soma Oil & Gas, will now be tasked with forming a new cabinet.

His appointment is a nod to balancing clan interests in this Horn of Africa nation. Khaire is a member of the Hawiye clan, as is former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whom Mohamed defeated in the election last month.

Finally i have been approved by 231 members of lower house(Parliament) and i will be sworn soon Insha Allah.Thank you.Another historic day

— Hassan Ali Khaire (@HassanAliKhair) March 1, 2017

A decision his time has come indeed! Historic moments.Cheers! Somalia's progress is our main objective.Drough and insecurity are our targets https://t.co/s9z8gR6rIe

— Hassan Ali Khaire (@HassanAliKhair) March 1, 2017

The new prime minister promised to address insecurity caused by homegrown Islamic extremist group, al-Shabab, which still carries out deadly attacks in the capital, Mogadishu, and elsewhere.

Somalia is also currently facing a severe drought that has left hundreds of thousands facing starvation.

“We will give priority to rescuing people affected by drought, security, strengthening the national army, stabilizing the nation, fighting corruption, developing and managing the country’s economy and implementation of justice,” Khaire asserted.

The new prime minister’s appointment comes just three weeks after Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo was elected Somalia’s new President after a voting process which lasted for months.