MOGADISHU, Dec 21: Somalia´s parliament on Saturday approved as the new prime minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, a political newcomer and economist who faces tough challenges in the war-torn nation.
All but three lawmakers in parliament voted to approve President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud´s nomination of the economist who has worked with several international organisations and banks.
Three abstained from voting, and none opposed.
"A total of 243 out of the 246 gave a vote of confidence to the new prime minister," said parliamentary speaker Mohamed Osman Jawari.
Ahmed, 54, faces a giant task to rein in corruption, crush Al-Qaeda-linked Shebab insurgents battling to topple the central government, and rebuild the troubled Horn of Africa nation.
"I´m very grateful with parliament for endorsing my nomination," the new prime minister said after the vote.
"I promise to work for the development of the country, and to form a cabinet of high quality soon."
A dual Somali-Canadian citizen, Ahmed holds a doctorate in trade and development from Ottawa university and speaks multiple foreign languages.
