Somalia

Recently-named Prime Minister resigns

Article published on the 2008-12-24 Latest update 2008-12-24 15:10 TU

President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed
(Photo: AFP)

Mohamoud Mohamed Guled, Somalia's recently appointed Prime Minister has resigned his position. He was named early last week when President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed attempted to sack then Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein.

The sacking of Nur Hassan Hussein along with his cabinet was rejected by parliament, which voted a motion of confidence in the then Head of government.

Mohamoud Mohamed Guled said he had decided to resign so as to pave the way "for the continuation of dialogue between Somali leaders" saying he did not want to become an obstacle to this.

The news was welcomed by Nur Hassan Hussein who described it as "a milestone to the ongoing peace talks to pacify Somalia".

Fears for stability in Somalia have risen as Ethiopia prepares to remove its troops by the end of the year, having deployed them in late 2006 when it helped the interim government to defeat an Islamist movement.