[As delivered]
Good morning,
I am pleased to be in Baidoa today, and to have the opportunity to meet again with President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed ‘Laftagareen’ and members of his administration – and I thank the president and his team for their customary warm welcome.
Today, President and I discussed a range of issues related to state-building, security and humanitarian needs in South West State.
The President briefed me on the ongoing preparations with the NIEBC [National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission] for voter registration, and then direct local council elections in South West State. In that regard, I recalled the importance of an open political environment to permit the successful conduct of elections at all levels.
The humanitarian situation in South West State remains serious, particularly in the face of global uncertainties in maintaining aid levels. In collaboration with humanitarian partners, the United Nations is working hand-in-hand with the South West State authorities to address these urgent needs.
And we want to give priority to those who most need assistance. We also, of course, want to link the humanitarian response to this state’s longer-term development needs.
On the security front, South West State has remained steadfast in the fight against Al-Shabaab. I commend the ongoing efforts by the Somali National Army and South West State forces to defend and recover territory in different regions of the state. These efforts are testament to the courage and tenacity of the Somali forces battling Al-Shabaab.
The President and I also discussed national affairs, including security priorities and plans for elections.
I underscored the importance of unity and inclusive dialogue among Somalia’s political and community leaders.
And I reiterated the position of Somalia's international partners: we welcome the initiative announced by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in his Eid-al-Fitr message to arrange a platform that brings together the full range of Somali voices to advance the country’s state-building priorities and respond effectively to the Al-Shabaab threat.
Allow me, Mr. President, to conclude by reaffirming the UN family’s commitment to supporting South West State in its state-building priorities. And let me thank you again, Mr. President, for your strong collaboration.
Thank you.
