Somalia: UN envoy calls for political stability

Somalia: UN envoy calls for political stability ahead of Copenhagen conference

17 November 2014 – The top United Nations official in Somalia, Nicholas Kay, has met with country leaders in Mogadishu to discuss the ongoing political crisis days ahead of the first high-level meeting held in Copenhagen to review the embattled nation’s progress to political reconciliation.

Mr. Kay urged the Somali leaders to find a solution that would allow the Federal Government to implement the Vision 2016 plan for Somalia’s political transformation in a timely manner.

These talks came at an opportune time as the Federal Government and Somalia’s international partners prepare for the first Ministerial-level High Level Partnership Forum (HLPF) in Copenhagen on 19 and 20 November.

“The HLPF will be a critical opportunity to review progress and chart the way ahead for the implementation of the New Deal Somali Compact,” SRSG Kay said.

The Compact brings together national priorities agreed amongst the Somali people, the Federal Government and the international community. Much has been achieved, particularly through the concerted and joint efforts of the Federal Government.

“But significant challenges remain. The ongoing political crisis in Somalia is a serious risk to further progress. I call on all parties to find a way to resolve their differences quickly so that the business of statebuilding and peacebuilding can resume and accelerate.” Mr. Kay, who also heads the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), added.

UNSOM, established by the UN Security Council in June of last year, is mandated to support the Federal Government of Somalia with its peace and state building agenda, including the federalism process, review of the provisional constitution and elections in 2016.

It also works to strengthen Somalia’s security sector, promote respect for human rights and women’s empowerment and assist in the coordination of international assistance.

Joining Mr. Kay for the meetings were several European officials including the Danish Ambassador to Kenya Geert Aagaard Andersen, European Union (EU) Special Representative for the Horn of Africa Alex Rondos, EU Special Envoy to Somalia Michele Cervone d’Urso, as well as several Ambassadors to Somalia namely Italia’s Fabrizio Marcelli, Sweden’s Mikael Lindvall and the United Kingdom’s Neil Wigan.

ENDS

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