Somalia parliament endorses new PM

Somalia's parliament yesterday unanimously endorsed Hamza Abdi Barre as new prime minister, paving the way for the creation of a new government for the fragile Horn of Africa nation. 

All 220 lawmakers present gave their blessing to Barre's appointment, and he was then sworn in to office, the parliament speaker said.

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Barre 48, told parliament he would form a government that would focus on "creating inclusive political stability (in line with) the president's motto of a reconciled Somalia that is at peace with the world".

Somalia's new adminstration faces a raft of challenges including a looming famine and a grinding insurgency by the Al-Shabaab jihadist group.

"We shall form a capable government that pursues our nation's developmental & humanitarian priorities reflecting our people's needs," Barre posted on Twitter.