By: Mohamed Duale

Horndiplomat-Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi has today received Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Ambassador James Swan.

During the high-level talks, Discussed a wide range of issues pertaining to the UN humanitarian tasks in Somaliland, upcoming elections and security.

The UN delegation is also expected to meet members of the Somaliland House of Elders and House Representatives, non-governmental and business organizations.

In his meetings, the UN Special Representative reiterated the world body’s commitment to supporting Somaliland.

“Part of the reason I’m here is to help strengthen our collaboration regarding humanitarian activities, economic development and capacity-building for local governance and service delivery,” Mr. Swan said.

“I’ve been pleased to see some of the projects helping refugees and community members alike acquire skills to support themselves and their families,” he added. “The communities hosting refugees and asylum-seekers are already making a big contribution to these groups, and these programs not only equip the refugees with critical skills but also benefit the wider community.”

Earlier, the UN official visited Somaliland’s Civil Service Institute, which is supported by the Ministry of Interior and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and is putting in place the skills to manage basic local services benefitting the people of Somaliland.

“I also visited the Civil Service Institute, supported by the UN Development Programme and the Ministry of Interior. It was interesting to meet public officials working to overcome the challenges of developing local government which is both accountable and responsive to those using local services.”

“I look forward to continuing my connection with the authorities and people of Somaliland, and I will take this chance to thank President Bihi and his colleagues for their support to the UN operations here.”Said Mr.Swan

Mr. Swan was on his first visit to Somaliland since taking up his post in late June. He was accompanied by a senior official from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UNDP – Takeshi Moriyama, Serge Tissot and Jocelyn Mason, respectively.

This is a developing story, Please check back at the Horndiplomat for Updates.

© Horn Diplomat 2019