BAIDOA, Somalia – James Swan, the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), visited the Southwest State of Somalia on July 6, 2024.
This visit marked another step in his ongoing efforts to engage with Somali authorities and address the pressing issues facing the region.
During his visit, Swan met with President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed ‘Laftagareen’ of the Southwest State to discuss a wide range of topics, including security, humanitarian needs, and the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab.
The discussions aimed to strengthen the collaboration between the United Nations and the Southwest State government in addressing the complex challenges faced by the region.
Swan, who took over as Acting Special Representative in May 2024, has been actively working to support Somalia’s key national priorities, including the constitutional review process, the electoral framework, and the fight against Al-Shabaab.
His visit to the Southwest State is part of his broader efforts to engage with Somalia’s Federal Member States and address the multifaceted challenges faced by the country.
The meeting between Swan and President Laftagareen also touched upon the humanitarian situation in the Southwest State, which has been facing significant challenges due to ongoing conflict and displacement. The United Nations has been working closely with the Somali government to provide humanitarian assistance and support to affected communities.
Swan’s visit to the Southwest State is part of a series of engagements with Somalia’s Federal Member States, aimed at fostering dialogue and cooperation on various fronts.
The UN envoy’s visit underscores the importance of addressing security, humanitarian, and governance challenges in Somalia through a collaborative approach involving the Federal Government and the country’s Federal Member States.
As Somalia continues to navigate its path towards stability and development, the role of the United Nations and international partners remains crucial. Swan’s visit to the Southwest State serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to support Somalia’s progress and address the complex challenges facing the country.
