MOGADISHU, Somalia (Onkod Radio) —  Somalia government appointed new leadership for the National Commission for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRI), amid heightened humanitarian crisis facing the country, officials said.

The country’s the Deputy Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, Abdihakim Ashkir, has formally presided over the transfer of leadership at the commission  during an official ceremony held in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.

The handover saw outgoing Chairman Ahmed Hussen Cilmi relinquish his duties to the newly appointed Chairman, Liibaan Abdi Egal.

Addressing attendees, Ashkir spoke about the agency’s importance to the nation, its activities and responsibilities, the priority of continuity of work, cooperation, acceleration of serving vulnerable communities of refugees and displaced persons, and strengthening transparency and accountability.

The Deputy Minister commended the activities of the previous leadership and wished the new leadership success and progress in their work.