“This marks another important step in the determined efforts by Somalia’s new leadership to bring about a positive change in Somalia,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement.

Prime Minister Shirdon announced the composition of cabinet — known as the Council of Ministers — on 4 November and the parliament endorsed the nominations on 13 November. The 10-member cabinet includes two women ministers with one of them, Fauzia Yusuf Haji Adan, named as Foreign Affairs minister, the first woman to hold such a docket in the country’s history.

Likewise, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has also congratulated the Federal Government of Somalia on the swearing in of a new Council of Ministers.

Through the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Somalia, Ambassador Boubacar Diarra, AMISOM noted that this approval by the majority is “a sign of confidence and will pave the way for a successful implementation of the key tasks underlined in the Prime Minister’s speech which is in line with the President’s vision”.

He further reiterated that the strengthening of the ties between the President, the Parliament and the Cabinet will be critical in responding to the need of the Somali people.

“This represents a significant milestone for Somalia as it continues along its journey to peace and stability,” said Amb. Diarra. “The AU mission in Somalia is proud of the role it has played in support of the people of Somalia and their efforts to re-establish effective, legitimate and representative government,” he added.

On issues related to gender parity in the country’s top organ, Diarra said that the new Cabinet respected the role of women and civil society in the country’s continuing recovery, saying that “the size and composition of the new Cabinet reflects Somalia’s determination to inaugurate a new era of inclusivity and accountability in its public affairs and we at AMISOM applaud this achievement”.

He however pledged that AMISOM would continue to support the Somali government as it implements its 6-point strategy to strengthen security and rebuild the country’s institutions and economy.

The 10-member Cabinet, one of the smallest in Somali history, secured the overwhelming approval of the Somali Federal Parliament and the Ministers were sworn in by the country’s Chief Justice on Thursday.