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Somalia - Government and Political Conditions (Notes)

GOVERNMENT A transitional government, the components of which are known as the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) was formed in 2004 following the conclusion of a 2-year reconciliation conference. The TFIs include a transitional parliament, known as the Transitional Federal Assembly (formed in August 2004), as well as a Transitional Federal Government (TFG) that includes a transitional President, Prime Minister and a cabinet known as the 'Council of Ministers.' For administrative purposes, Somalia is divided into 18 regions; the nature, authority, and structure of regional governments vary, where they exist. Principal Government Officials Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed was elected as Transitional Federal President of Somalia in October 2004, and Ali Mohamed Gedi was approved by the Transitional Federal Assembly as Prime Minister on December 24, 2004. Following a no-confidence motion against former Speaker of Parliament Shariff Hassan Sheikh Adan on January 17, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur was elected the new Speaker on January 31, 2007. A cabinet known as the Council of Ministers also exists. Other Ministers Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Federalism/Constitutional Affairs--Adbullahi Sheikh Ismail Minister of Foreign Affairs--Hussein Elabe Fahiye Minister of Finance--Hassan Mohamed Nur 'Shatigudud' Minister of Justice--Hassan Dimbil Minister of National Security--Abdullahi Abdi Garun Minister of Religious Affairs--Sheikh Hassan Ismail Bile Minister of Reconciliation and Diaspora--Mohamed Abdi Ayer Minister of Information--Madobe Nouno Ambassador to the United Nations--Dr. Elmi Ahmed Duale Ambassador to the United States--N/A The self-declared 'Republic of Somaliland' consists of a regional authority based in the city of Hargeisa, including a President, Vice President, parliament, and cabinet officials.