(08-06-23) JOWHAR – The United Nations (UN) renewed its commitment to support Somalia on the Special Representative’s inaugural visit to Hirshabelle, a Federal Member State of Somalia, on Wednesday. This marked the first of many meetings Catriona Laing, the newly appointed UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, plans to have with the region’s leaders.
The trip was Laing’s initial foray outside of the capital, Mogadishu, since taking on her new role. In her meeting with President Ali Abdullahi Hussein ‘Gudlawe’ and his advisors, Laing declared her intent to foster a “constructive partnership” and help achieve Hirshabelle’s goals of peace, prosperity, and security. The delegation also included George Conway, the Deputy Special Representative and the UN’s humanitarian coordinator for Somalia.
Laing underscored the UN’s commitment to supporting Hirshabelle, particularly in addressing humanitarian needs that arose after severe flooding in May. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the flood wreaked havoc, displacing thousands of people, destroying homes and farms, killing livestock, shutting schools and health facilities, and causing extensive road damage.
The Special Representative lauded the local government’s response and pledged the backing of the UN’s country programmes and agencies, emphasising the importance of investing in long-term defences to establish sustainable solutions to flooding crises.
Security was also at the forefront of the discussions, with an update from President Gudlawe on the recent successful campaign against the terrorist group Al-Shabaab. Laing highlighted the UN’s support for these efforts and the importance of a holistic approach to stabilising the reclaimed areas.
Laing praised President Gudlawe’s “strong engagement” in national affairs, such as Somalia’s constitutional review process and state-building efforts. She stressed the need for an inclusive, transparent approach and encouraged outreach to all stakeholders to build consensus.
During her visit, Laing also engaged with ATMIS peacekeepers and UN staff based in Jowhar. Since her appointment in May and her arrival in Somalia earlier this week, Laing has already met with Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.
Having served in various roles in the UK government and with the UN’s development arm previously, Laing is equipped to steer the UN’s support for Somalia in a pivotal period of recovery and development. The depth of her engagement with Hirshabelle sets a promising precedent for her tenure and the UN’s continued partnership with Somalia.
