A senior United Nations official has held discussions with the leadership of Somalia’s South West State, focusing on local issues and stressing the importance of inclusive dialogue to tackle the country’s broader national priorities.
James Swan, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, met with South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed ‘Laftagareen’ and members of his administration in Baidoa. Following the meeting, Mr. Swan highlighted the need for unity and open discussion among Somalia’s political and community leaders on critical national matters, including security and election planning.
“I underscored the importance of unity and inclusive dialogue among Somalia’s political and community leaders,” Mr. Swan told reporters. He also reiterated the support of Somalia’s international partners for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recent initiative to create a platform bringing together diverse Somali voices to advance state-building priorities and effectively counter the threat posed by the Al-Shabaab militant group.
Mr. Swan’s visit to South West State follows similar discussions held in Dhusamareb earlier in the week with Galmudug State President Ahmed Abdi Karie ‘Qoor Qoor’.
In early April, a coalition of 28 international partners, including the United Nations, welcomed President Mohamud’s proposal for a national dialogue platform to ensure that the views and efforts of all Somali political and community leaders are integrated into the fight against terrorism and the establishment of a democratic and federal system of government.
During his visit to Baidoa, Mr. Swan and President ‘Laftagareen’ addressed specific issues concerning South West State, including state-building efforts, security challenges, and humanitarian needs.
The UN Special Representative noted that their discussions touched on the ongoing preparations for voter registration being conducted by the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC), as well as plans for direct local council elections. “In that regard, I recalled the importance of an open political environment to permit the successful conduct of elections at all levels,” Mr. Swan said.
The serious humanitarian situation in South West State, particularly in light of global uncertainties affecting aid levels, was also a key topic. “In collaboration with humanitarian partners, the United Nations is working hand-in-hand with the South West State authorities to address these urgent needs,” Mr. Swan assured. He emphasised the UN’s commitment to prioritising those most in need and linking the humanitarian response to the state’s longer-term development goals.
On the security front, Mr. Swan acknowledged South West State’s continued efforts in the fight against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group.
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