Somaliland's new president has appointed 26 ministers and deputies, in what he says is the smallest Cabinet in the breakaway republic's history.
In a speech Wednesday, President Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo said his region's coffers are empty and his government will work hard to improve the economy. He also said he will work closely with the international community.
Mr. Silanyo beat incumbent Dahir Riyale Kahin in June elections with just short of 50 percent of the vote.
The presidential election was Somaliland's first in seven years, after several delays. The inauguration Tuesday was one of the few peaceful transfers of power from an incumbent to an opposition candidate in Africa's post-independence history.
Somaliland declared its independence from the rest of Somalia in 1991. The self-declared republic runs its own affairs but has not received international recognition.
President Silanyo will serve a five-year term in office. He faces several challenges, including insurgent threats, poverty and unemployment.
