Thursday 1 May 2025 {HMC} A mix of national and local matters were covered today during a meeting between the leader of Somalia’s Federal Member State of Galmudug and the top United Nations official in the country.
“On the national side, with Somalia requiring decisive action on a range of security and political matters, I emphasised the importance of unity and inclusive dialogue among the country’s political and community leaders,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan.
“I echoed the statement earlier this month from Somalia’s international partners,” he added.
Mr. Swan made the comments in press remarks soon after meeting with President Ahmed Abdi Karie ‘Qoor Qoor’ and members of his team at Galmudug’s state house in the capital, Dhusamareb.
In early April, a group made up of 28 of Somalia’s international partners – including the United Nations – issued a statement in which they welcomed a proposal made during Eid-al-Fitr in late March by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
In it, the country’s president proposed to organize a platform for Somali political and community leaders to ensure their views and efforts form part of the fight against terrorism and the establishment of a democratic and federal system of government.
“A unified and inclusive strategy is indispensable to achieving success against Al-Shabaab and advancing Somalia’s state-building priorities. We welcome the reported positive responses from leading Somali political figures to this initiative” the partners said in the statement.
“We urge,” they continued, “the Government, Federal Member State leaders, and political and societal stakeholders to meet expeditiously to ensure a unified, effective response to the ongoing Al-Shabaab offensive as an urgent national security priority.”
Local developments
On local matters in Galmudug, the UN Special Representative and the Federal Member State’s leader discussed the ongoing severe humanitarian situation there, which has left more than 600,000 people in need of assistance.
“In view of recent reductions in donor funding, it is necessary for Somali leaders, for donors, and for the United Nations, to prioritise now the most vulnerable people to receive aid. The United Nations remains firmly committed to helping populations in need, in keeping with our humanitarian mandate,” Mr. Swan said.
On plans to hold direct elections for local councils in Galmudug, the UN official encouraged that the process be inclusive, consultative and based on broad consensus to ensure it reflects the aspirations of the Somali people.
“We also discussed ongoing efforts in reconciliation among communities in Galmudug, and I welcome the President’s continued engagement in resolving inter-clan tensions.” Mr. Swan added.
Security was also covered, especially efforts to sustain momentum in the fight against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group.
“We noted continued work to strengthen cooperation with local defence forces in an effort to keep the fight going and advancing against Al-Shabaab,” Mr. Swan said. “And to that end, I pay tribute to those troops and local defence forces here in Galmudug who continue the fight against Al-Shabaab.”
The UN Special Representative ended his press remarks with a reaffirmation of the world body’s support for Galmudug and its state-building priorities, and appreciation of the strong collaboration of the President and his administration.
