Somaliland’s new environment minister takes office

Hargeisa, 02 July 2013 (SDN) – Shurki Haji Ismail Bandare took office Tuesday as Somaliland’s new environment and rural development minister after his predecessor Mohamed Saed Gacamay lost his post during last week’s cabinet reshuffle. The new minister will serve as acting minister until the parliament votes on his confirmation.
In a speech at the ceremony which was held in Imperial hotel, outgoing Minister Mohamed Saed Gacamay congratulated Shurki Haji Ismail Bandare for the new post. The outgoing minister praised the former minister’s job, saying that she will the efforts of his predecessor of tackling environmental problems.

The change of guard ceremony was attended by heads of various departments at the ministry government ministers and other guests.

The new environment minister Shukri Ismail was part of four women U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton honored who have dedicated their lives to promoting peaceful, just and open societies in some of the world’s most conflict-affected regions.  Shukri is one of the founders of Candlelight and its chairperson and she (together with her team and staff) has been instrumental in making Candlelight one of the largest and most impactful organizations in Somaliland.

Also, a founding member of NAGAAD Network, the largest women network in Somaliland, Shukri has been very active campaigner for women’s rights.

Shukri is also involved in democratization, peace building. She served as a member of Somaliland Electoral Commission and a current member of African Democracy Forum committee which is based in South Africa.

She also a member of Somaliland Independent Scholar’s Group – a group which follows closely the current issues arising from the democratization process and disseminates its positions papers through the media outlets.
SDN Hargeisa