UN Envoy for Somalia congratulates new leader of Interim South West Administration

MOGADISHU, Somalia, December 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, welcomed the inauguration of Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan as the head of the newly formed Interim South West Administration (ISWA). Speaking at a ceremony held in Baidoa SRSG Kay said, “I congratulate Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan on his inauguration. Today is a significant step forward in building a strong, united and federal Somalia as envisaged in Vision 2016. I welcome the importance placed on the need for inclusivity and reconciliation with all local constituents of the ISWA, and I urge all stakeholders to continue these efforts.”

“The establishment of the ISWA paves the way to focus efforts on building a functioning administration that is able to deliver much needed services to local communities,” said SRSG Kay. “I look forward to the establishment of inclusive institutions with participation and representation by women, youth and minority groups.”

“ISWA and other interim regional administrations also have a key role to play in the review and implementation of the Provisional Constitution, including preparation for elections and the establishment of a federal system, as well as the implementation of the New Deal Compact for Somalia. I reiterate the firm commitment of the United Nations to support these processes and to help build peace, stability and prosperity in Somalia and the region.”