Somalia: UN delegation reaches Kismayo ahead of peace-building gathering

KISMAYO, Somalia Sept 10, 2014 (Garowe Online)-A delegation led by the Deputy Special Representative of the UN secretary-General for Somalia Fatiha Serour has arrived in the southern port city of Kismayo on speeding up of Jubaland peace process on Wednesday, Garowe Online reports.

The second Vice President of Jubaland administration Abdulkadir Haji Mohamed Luga-Dhere and other high ranking officials received Serour at Kismayo International airport.

The upcoming peace-building conference and the fight against Al Shabaab militants in Jubaland were high on the agendas during a bilateral meeting between UN delegation and Jubaland administration.

Meanwhile at Kismayo’s Hadhwanaag hotel, a gathering that brought together representatives from Gedo, Middle Jubba and Lower Jubba regions is underway with participants including clan elders, youth and women groups discussing the ways forward for the fledgling state over the coming years.

 Jubaland’s Minister for Social Affairs Moallim Mohamed, Spokesman Abdinasir Seraar Mah and Kismayo Mayor Ibrahim Tima Jilic have also been attending the meeting.

Former warlord, Col. Bare Adan Shire (Barre Hirale)-the vocal opponent of Jubaland-agreed to join ongoing peace process and officially laid his arms down after lengthy mediation efforts.

Mogadishu hosted the first phase of reconciliation conference in November 2013. 

GAROWE ONLINE