UN chief Guteress lands in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has landed in Mogadishu, the Somalia capital, state media confirms, and he is expected to hold talks with various teams, including but not limited to the presidency, as the country strives to overcome violent extremism, drought, and humanitarian crises.

In a chattered plane, Guterres landed at Aden Adde International Airport on Tuesday morning and was received by Foreign Affairs Minister Abshir Omar Jama and other UN officials. The trip visit has been described as "in solidarity with the people of Somalia".

The presidency has reported that Guterres held a meeting with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and discussed a number of issues, including humanitarian and security as well as the UN arms embargo on Somalia. 

"UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres arrives in Somalia on Tuesday for an official visit to show solidarity with Somali people. He was welcomed by FM @abshirhuruse and will meet with President @HassanSMohamud to discuss the country's security, development, and Humanitarian Issues," state media reported.

The visit comes at the time the country is battling Al-Shabaab militants, an Al-Qaeda affiliate that has been causing havoc in the country for 16 years. The country is preparing for the second phase which will target areas such as Galmadug and HirShabelle where the group still has strength in terms of control.

Already, the government is getting support from the US Africa Command, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS], and local militia who managed to kill a total of 3,000 militants in the first phase. Somalia has also invested in targeting financial institutions supporting the group and other sources of revenue.

In addition, matters of drought that significantly affected the country will feature as millions struggle with inadequate food and water. Thousands of Somalis have been displaced from their homes in search of food with others settling in IDP camps within the country and neighboring Kenya, thus deteriorating the humanitarian crisis.

The country is also battling to repay loans to international lenders and has been lobbying for debt relief. Authorities in Somalia say the country is in the right direction towards recovery from the economic downturn but the international community insists corruption and wastage are some of the prudent issues the current government should focus on.

GAROWE ONLINE