Expressing hope for Somalia’s upward trajectory, delegation of AU, EU, IGAD and UN holds consultations with stakeholders in Garowe

Garowe (UNSOM), 19 December 2019 – Closing a series of consultative meetings across Somalia’s Federal Member States, a senior delegation of representatives from some of the country’s international partners Yesterday, visited Puntland’s capital, Garowe, in the final stage of their visits to seek stakeholders’ views on how key national priorities can be realised next year.

“Here in Puntland, the representatives of some of Somalia’s multilateral partners have come to seek the views of the Puntland authorities and civil society. We have conducted similar consultations in South West State, Hirshabelle, Jubaland and with the national authorities and President Haaf of Galmudug,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, on behalf of the delegation.

He noted that the priorities included preparations for ‘one-person, one-vote’ elections, finalisation of the Federal Constitution, continued progress towards debt relief, and the fight against Al-Shabaab.

In addition to the UN envoy, the delegation was made up of the European Union’s (EU) Deputy Head of Delegation to Somalia, Nicole Miller; the African Union (AU) Mission in Somalia’s Chief of Mission Support, Major-General Fidza Dludlu; and a representative of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Nur Abdi Isse.

The delegation met with Puntland’s President Said Abdullahi Deni, and other political and social actors in the state, such as cabinet ministers and civil society representatives.

“These consultations have been an opportunity to hear directly from stakeholders on how Somalia’s national priorities can be achieved, and challenges overcome,” Mr. Swan said.

The international partners also expressed their view that next year has the potential to be a historic one for Somalia if its leaders, institutions and communities engage in dialogue to agree on a way forward.

“We look forward to supporting Somalia to ensure that 2020 is a milestone year for the country, and a year that enables Somalia to continue its upward trajectory,” Mr Swan noted.

In addition to their meetings in the Federal Member States, the international partners have also been holding consultations at the national level.