AU Special Representative calls for donor support towards Puntland's priorities and development goals

By African Union Commission (AUC)
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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, May 21, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamet Saleh Annadif has called on partners and the donor community to support the Puntland State in its priorities and development goals.

Speaking during the Puntland Donor Roundtable Meeting, Ambassador Annadif noted that donor support is pivotal to the realization of Puntland's immediate and long-term development needs, and creates an environment for sustainable peace and development in Somalia.

The AU Special Representative, the first AMISOM leader to travel to Garowe to engage on Puntland development issues, reiterated the importance of Puntland's stability and its role in setting an example for the rest of Somalia. “I'm encouraged by the developments in Puntland. The last elections are significant proof of positive developments and I call on all Somalis to follow the example of Puntland.” he said.

On behalf of the Chairperson of AU Commission, Ambassador Annadif pledged the AU's commitment to supporting the Puntland State in capacity building of its security forces especially training of the Police and the Army to tackle terrorism, piracy and human trafficking.

The Donor Roundtable Meeting which was officially opened by the President of the Puntland State of Somalia, H.E. Abdweli Mohammed Ali Gaas was attended by representatives from the donor community, the World Bank and the United Nations.