Somalia, 27 October 2025 – Prime Minister of Somalia, Hamza Abdi Barre, has today appointed Salim Aliyow Ibrow as the Minister of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, marking his return to the government after a decade-long absence from a ministerial position.
Ibrow replaces outgoing Minister, Member of Parliament, Yusuf Mohamed. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office described Ibrow as exceptionally well-equipped to handle the challenging tasks currently facing the ministry.
The timing of the appointment is critical as it comes as Somalia grapples with severe economic difficulties, with youth unemployment estimated to be over 70 per cent. The accompanying statement highlighted that the Ministry of Labour faces significant challenges ahead.
Salim Iyow Ibrow, who has over 25 years of political experience, has been absent from the government for the past 10 years. The new minister, a member of the Somali Parliament since 2000, has long worked in the areas of social affairs, justice, and economics.
He previously served as Deputy Prime Minister in 2007 after the resignation of Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi, before the appointment of Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein “Nur Ade”. Saalim also served as Deputy Prime Minister from 2004 to 2007. Other positions he has held include Minister of Justice, Finance, Livestock, Energy and Water Resources between 2004 and 2015.