Ban congratulates Somalia’s new Prime Minister, urges creation of inclusive Government

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called the new Prime Minister of Somalia, Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, to congratulate him on his recent appointment, expressing hope that he will move quickly to form an inclusive Government, with the full participation of women.

According to a readout of the phone call provided by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban called on the Somali leadership to work closely together to “regain momentum in the political process,” including the formation of federal states and a participatory constitutional review process.

Recent gains by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Somali National Army against the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab should be complemented by the delivery of basic services and the rule of law, the UN Chief said.

Further, Mr. Ban reassured the Prime Minister of the UN’s full support in Somalia’s efforts towards peace, development and the full respect for human rights.