Somalia’s Puntland State President Engages in Talks with UN Envoy on Crucial Matters, Including Approaching Elections

In Garowe, the administrative capital of Somalia’s Puntland state, President Saed Abdullahi Deni held discussions with Catriona Laing, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Somalia.

The meeting addressed various issues, encompassing the humanitarian conditions in the region, the repercussions of El Nino rains, and the forthcoming Puntland elections, which have become a point of contention between the current administration and the opposition.

Coinciding with the UN envoy’s visit, the Union of Puntland Opposition Candidates convened in Garowe on the same day. During this gathering, the opposition candidates advocated for a peaceful resolution to the political uncertainty during the transitional period.

President Deni expressed optimism regarding the potential positive outcomes resulting from his meeting with Catriona Laing, recognizing the UN’s vital role in supporting Somalia’s developmental trajectory.

Catriona Laing, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Somalia, urged President Deni to engage with various political groups, aiming to bring an end to the political turmoil and ensure that the upcoming elections follow a democratic process.