British Ambassador to Somalia meets key regional stakeholders

By British Embassy Mogadishu

British ambassador to Somalia Harriet Mathews led a cross-embassy team of security, stabilisation, humanitarian and political colleagues on a visit to Baidoa, Kismayo and Garowe. During the visits to the regions, Ambassador Mathews held discussions with key regional stakeholders on a range of political, security, humanitarian and development matters.

In Baidoa, Ambassador Mathews met with South West President Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan and South West Ministers. The UK delegation also met security leaders in the region to discuss the security priorities in a meeting led by General Yarow, Chief of Defence Staff of the Somali National Army (SNA) and African Union Mission in Somalia sector Commander General Gebre. Ambassador Mathews visited the site where the SNA Headquarters is being built and officially opened the newly finished transport hub – both of which the UK is supporting.

In Kismayo, Ambassador Mathews met with President of Jubbaland Sheikh Ahmed Islam ‘Madobe’, representatives of the Jubbaland Government and members of civil society groups. The delegation also met with AMISOM Sector commander to discuss security plans and ongoing challenges for the sector.

In Garowe, the UK delegation convened a meeting with humanitarian and development partners to discuss the growing urgency of the drought and its humanitarian challenges. The delegation also met with key Puntland security actors, including Puntland Minister for Interior, Deputy Minister for Security, and Police Commissioner.