The First Deputy Speaker of the Somali Parliament, Ms Sadiyo Yasin Samatar, has become the acting President of Somalia, following the departure of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
It is the first time a woman has served as Somalia’s acting president. This is the second time the first deputy speaker of parliament has been elected.
She has previously become the first Somali woman to serve as the first deputy speaker of parliament, a history that has never happened before in Somalia.
Ms Samatar and President Hassan held talks at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu this morning.
The President’s visit is aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries, facilitating travel, trade and enhancing cooperation between the two countries.
It is the first trip abroad by President Hassan since he was recently elected president.
