Somalia's new president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has announced his choice of a political newcomer to serve as the country's prime minister.

President Mohamud, on Saturday, announced his selection of Abdi Farah Shirdoon Saaid, a Kenya-based businessman.

A correspondent in Somalia has told VOA that Mr. Mohamud announced his choice after holding a series of consultations with Somali leaders and clan elders.

Mr. Saaid is the husband of Asha Haji Elmi, a prominent peace activist.

Mr. Mohamud was elected president by Somalia's parliament in September. The election was the final step of a U.N.-backed plan to bring a stable central government to Somalia, following two decades of chaos and conflict.

The last stable government collapsed in 1991.