MOGADISHU: Somali Parliament has resolved to give Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre ten more days to form his cabinet.

Barre, who was expected to name his cabinet by Monday, one month after his appointment, said he was yet to finalise consultations on the formation of the cabinet, as per reports.

Barre, who was appointed on June 25, asked Parliament for an extension to create an all-inclusive administration, citing a lengthy electoral process as the reason for the delay. "It is necessary that I spend sufficient time in conversations with diverse politicians of the country and civic  to set up a balanced government," he said in a statement.

"Somalia is at a fork in the road and must forge ahead. We must government capable of bringing about the necessary reform and development for our people." The  First Deputy Speaker of the Lower House, 144 of the 145 parliamentarians who attended the session on Monday approved Barre's request, with only one legislator opposing it, said Sadia Yasin Samatar.

The Prime Minister met with religious leaders and civil society groups on Monday to discuss the formation of the government. During the discussion with civil society, he emphasised the importance of Somali youth participation in development, noting that they are the country's future and their input is useful in assisting the government.

The Prime Minister said that he discussed the cabinet he is forming with them and how it will provide work possibilities for Somali youth.

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