Somalia's president Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has appointed former Somali police chief as Minister of Water and Mines in a reshuffle to replace the slain ministers killed in Mogadishu hotel blast.

Gen. Abdi Hassan Awale [Qaybdid], fired from his police post early this month, has taken over from Mohamed Abdullahi Omar, who was posted to Ministery of culture and higher Education, a portfolio left vacant by slain Ibrahim Hassan Ado.

The swearing in ceremony was held in the presidential palace Villa Somalia, where president Sharif urged the new appointees to take up the responsibility of serving the country.

At least three ministerial positions were left vacant after their bearers brutally died in suicide attack that rocked a graduation ceremony in the restive capital.

Dozens others including students, doctors and parents died in the attack, which marked one of the darkest moments in the Somali history.