Somali Magazine – Garowe, Puntland: Last night, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni announced the establishment of a new 21-member Puntland Government Council.
The new cabinet contains both returning ministers from the previous government and new members. It has three female ministers, which increases women’s participation on the council.
Key appointments include Mohamed Abdiwahab Ahmed as Minister of Justice and Religious Affairs, Ibrahima Artan Haji Bakin as Minister of Security, Abdi Farah Said (Juha) as Minister of Internal Affairs and Democracy, and Mohamed Farah Mohamud as Minister of Finance.
Other prominent appointments include Daoud Mohamed Omar as Minister of Planning and International Relations, Fuad Abshir Ader as Minister of Education and Higher Education, Said Jama Ali Qorsheel as Minister of Health, and Shakir Mohamed Guled as Minister of Ports and Maritime Transportation.
The cabinet also includes Abdirahman Ahmed Abdulle as Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Liban Muse Boqor as Minister of Mines and Water, Ubah Abdirishid Mohamed Hirsi as Minister of Relief and Humanitarian Affairs, Mohamed Abdiqadir Salah (Donyale) as Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, and Hodon Saeed Hassan as Minister of Youth and Sports.
President Deni expressed confidence that the new council, made up of experienced leaders and experts, will assist Puntland achieve its development goals. He exhorted pastors to serve the people with integrity.
The new ministers’ swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for next week in Garowe. Their appointment is for five years.