New PM Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed

December 12, 2013 – His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud today appointed Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed as the new Prime Minister of Somalia.

The President said: “I have appointed Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed , whom I believe is the man best equipped to lead the Somali government through the next stage of our country’s recovery and reform programme. He has an extremely impressive background in development and economics and a proven track record in a number of leadership positions within international organisations.”

“Although there is no mistaking the enormous challenges we face as a country I am confident he has what it takes to make a really positive difference in a short time. I call on Parliament to confirm his appointment in a timely fashion in the interests of Somalia.”

“Once again I pay tribute to the tremendous work and leadership of outgoing Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon whom I wish well for the future. We must now redouble our efforts to institutionalize and embed the important reforms we have started and work in earnest towards a new federal constitution and national elections in 2016.”

Under the Somali constitution, the new Prime Minister’s appointment must be confirmed by Parliament.

Brief Biography:

Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed
Key Professional Achievements & Experience

• Date & Place of Birth 1949, Bardhera, Somalia

• Successful professional career with extensive experience working in Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Zambia, Egypt, Canada, Yemen, Sauid Arabia, UAE and Malaysia

• Experience in key leadership roles in World Bank, Islamic Development Bank, European Union, USAID, Bank of Canada, African Union, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)

• Extensive experience working with international partners including UN, OIC, ECOWAS, IGAD, Arab League, Asian Development Bank, Arab Development Funds

• 2010-2013 Senior Economist, Islamic Development Bank, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

• 2007-2009 Senior Advisor to COMESA, Lusaka, Zambia

• 2003-2006 Program Manager, African Union-IBAR (Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources

• 1998-2003 International Development and Trade Economics Analyst, Bank of Canada & Ottawa University

• 1991-1998 Chief Executive Officer, MISK Enterprises, livestock exporting company with offices in Nairobi, Djibouti and Sana’a

• 1984-1990 Director-General, Livestock Marketing and Health Agency, Mogadishu

ENDS

For further information please contact Malik Abdalla Director of Communication Office of the President Villa Somalia mabdalla@presidency.gov.so