UN envoy for Somalia welcomes state building progress during visit to Kismayo

Kismayo, 07 March 2015 –The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG), Nicholas Kay, welcomed the Interim Juba Administration’s (IJA) progress towards forming a regional assembly while on an official visit to Kismayo today.

SRSG Kay met H.E. Ahmed Madobe, leader of the IJA, to discuss political and security issues. He was also briefed by the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) Special Envoy for Somalia, Ambassador Mohamed Abdi Affey .

“I welcome the progress on forming the IJA’s regional assembly, and urge the speedy conclusion of a transparent and inclusive process, in which women and minorities are properly represented,” said SRSG Kay. “Ensuring a fair and inclusive process will help build a just and peaceful society for the people of the Juba regions as well as all Somalis.”

SRSG Kay also congratulated the IJA on its recent engagement with other regional administrations and with the Federal Government of Somalia. “Now it is critical to focus on accelerating federalism, the constitutional review and democratisation ahead of the end of the Federal Government’s term in 2016,” said SRSG Kay.

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