List of prime ministers of Somalia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia
Flag of Somalia
Coat of arms of Somalia
Incumbent Hamza Abdi Barre since 26 June 2022
Federal Government of Somalia Council of Ministers of Somalia
Style	Mr. Prime Minister (informal) His Excellency (diplomatic)
Abbreviation	RW (Somali) PM (English)
Reports to	President of Somalia Federal Parliament of Somalia
Seat	Mogadishu
Appointer	President (with the approval of the parliament of Somalia)
Term length	No term limit
Constituting instrument	Constitution of Somalia
Inaugural holder	Abdullahi Issa
Formation	29 February 1956
Deputy	Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia
Salary	$175,000 annually in (2023)

The Prime Minister of Somalia (called Ra'iisul wasaaraha Soomaaliya in Somali) is like the main manager of the government in Somalia. This important job is known as the head of government. Since the role was created in 1956, there have been 22 official prime ministers. The very first prime minister was Abdullahi Issa, who served before Somalia became an independent country. The person holding this position right now is Hamza Abdi Barre. He was approved by the Somali Parliament on June 25, 2022.

What a Prime Minister Does

The Prime Minister of Somalia leads the country's government. They are in charge of the Council of Ministers of Somalia, which is like the cabinet. This group of ministers helps run different parts of the country, such as health, education, and defense. The Prime Minister works closely with the President of Somalia and the Federal Parliament of Somalia to make sure the country is governed well.

How a Prime Minister is Chosen

The President of Somalia chooses the person who will become Prime Minister. However, this choice must be approved by the parliament of Somalia. This means that the person needs support from the lawmakers to take on the role. Once approved, there is no set limit to how long a Prime Minister can serve. Their job is guided by the Constitution of Somalia, which is the main set of rules for the country.

A Look at Somalia's Prime Ministers

The role of Prime Minister in Somalia has changed over time as the country itself has changed. Here's a simple overview of the different periods and some of the people who held this important job.

Early Years (1956–1960)

Before Somalia became fully independent, it was a territory managed by Italy. During this time, Abdullahi Issa became the first Prime Minister in 1956. He helped lead the country towards independence.

• Abdullahi Issa (1956–1960)

The Somali Republic (1960–1969)

After gaining independence in 1960, Somalia became the Somali Republic. Several prime ministers served during this period, working to build the new nation.

• Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal (1960)
• Abdirashid Shermarke (1960–1964)
• Abdirizak Haji Hussein (1964–1967)
• Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal (1967–1969)

Somali Democratic Republic (1969–1991)

For a long time, from 1969 to 1987, the position of Prime Minister was not used. It was brought back in 1987.

• Mohammad Ali Samatar (1987–1990)
• Hawadle Madar (1990–1991)

Transitional Governments (1991–2012)

After 1991, Somalia went through a period of change with different temporary governments. The Prime Minister's role was sometimes vacant or held by people in acting positions.

• Umar Ghalib (1991–1997)
• Ali Khalif Galaydh (2000–2001)
• Osman Jama Ali (acting, 2001)
• Hassan Abshir Farah (2001–2003)
• Muhammad Abdi Yusuf (2003–2004)
• Ali Mohammed Ghedi (2004–2007)
• Salim Aliyow Ibrow (acting, 2007)
• Nur Hassan Hussein (2007–2009)
• Omar Sharmarke (2009–2010)
• Abdiwahid Gonjeh (acting, 2010)
• Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed (2010–2011)
• Abdiweli Gaas (2011–2012)

Federal Republic of Somalia (2012–Present)

Since 2012, Somalia has been known as the Federal Republic of Somalia. The Prime Minister continues to play a central role in leading the government.

• Abdiweli Gaas (acting, 2012)
• Abdi Farah Shirdon (2012–2013)
• Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed (2013–2014)
• Omar Sharmarke (2014–2017)
• Hassan Ali Khaire (2017–2020)
• Mahdi Mohammed Gulaid (acting, 2020)
• Mohamed Hussein Roble (2020–2022)
• Hamza Abdi Barre (2022–Present)

It's interesting to note that if someone serves as Prime Minister more than once, they get a new number each time. For example, Omar Sharmarke was the 13th and then the 18th Prime Minister. People who are "acting" Prime Minister for a short time usually don't get an official number.

Timeline of Prime Ministers

See also

In Spanish: Anexo:Primeros ministros de Somalia para niños

• History of Somalia
• Politics of Somalia
• President of Somalia
• List of presidents of Somalia