By ABDULKADIR KHALIF
Saturday August 19, 2023
Somalia's newly appointed Chief of Staff Abdihakim Yusuf. PHOTO | ABDIHAKIM M. YUSUF via TWITTER
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Friday named Abdihakim Yusuf as new Chief of Staff.
Mr Yusuf is an experienced international development professional replaces Hussein Sheikh Mohamud, who quit on August 13 to join politics, having served for just three months.
Villa Somalia said on Friday he brings a cumulative experience of close to two decades in the areas of institutional development, good governance, and capacity building in fragile and conflict-affected states.
"He also brings a deep understanding of the peace and conflict dynamics, inclusive politics, economic reforms and human rights," it said.
Over the course of his career, Mr Yusuf was involved in managing major peacebuilding and development initiatives in Somalia, collaborating with communities, civil society, international partners, and government institutions at both the federal and state levels.
He previously served as senior presidential advisor at the Office of the President’s National Policy Coordination Unit. In this role, he advised the president on National Consultative Council negotiations and engagement with key international partners.
Mr Yusuf holds a Master of Science in International Development and Project Planning from the University of Bradford, the United Kingdom.
President Mohamud stressed having confidence in Yusuf discharging his duties with diligence, anticipating a good service for the nation. He replaces Hussein Sheikh Mohamoud who resigned last week, citing personal reasons.