Wednesday December 18, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) – The newly appointed Mogadishu mayor, Mohamed Ahmed Amiir, officially took office during a handover ceremony held on Tuesday at the local government headquarters in the Somali capital.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre, Ministers, lawmakers, elders, and civil society representatives.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud appointed Amiir to the position through a presidential decree, replacing Sheikh Yusuf Jim'ale "Maddale."
In his speech, Prime Minister Barre commended the outgoing mayor, Yusuf Maddale, for his contributions to the development of the capital. He urged the new mayor to prioritize public services, accelerate development initiatives, and lay the groundwork for Mogadishu's citizens to elect their leaders through a one-person, one-vote system.
"We are determined to restore the will of the people and let the residents of Mogadishu elect the leadership that will represent them," said Prime Minister Barre. He hoped Mohamed Ahmed Amiir would be the last mayor appointed by presidential decree, signalling a shift toward democratic local governance.
Mayor Amiir pledged to guide Mogadishu toward direct elections, positioning himself as the last appointed leader. A seasoned scholar with expertise in economics, social development, administration, and management, Amiir's leadership is expected to emphasize professional governance and alignment with Somalia's national development priorities.
The handover ceremony was also attended by former mayors Omar Mohamed Mahmoud "Finish" and Hassan Mohamed Hussein "Mungaab," who congratulated Amiir on his appointment and expressed their support for the continued development of the capital.