20100921
africanews

Somali Prime minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmake has resigned after weeks long tensions with President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. "After considering the political crisis in the government and increasing insecurity in Somalia, I have decided to resign from my post as prime minister," Sharmarke told reporters in Mogadishu.

He said in order to avoid the political turmoil between him and the president decided to resign. "I did it for the interest of the nation at this critical moment."

President Sharif Sh Ahmed thanked him and welcomed the resignation. The president said he will nominate a new prime minister as soon as possible.

UN backed Somali government is battling with Islamist rebels to end a three year insurgency.

Islamist rebels control much of southern Somalia and also the capital Mogadishu while Somali government force runs a few blocks in the capital, where more than 6,300 African Union peacekeepers are guarding the airport and presidential palace.