Somalia: SRSG Kay calling for political stability ahead of Copenhagen Conference

Mogadishu, 16 November 2014 – United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Nicholas Kay met with Somali political leaders on 16 November 2014.  He was joined by Danish Ambassador Geert Aagaard Andersen, European Union (EU) Special Representative for the Horn of Africa Alex Rondos, EU Special Envoy to Somalia Michele Cervone d'Urso, Italian Ambassador Fabrizio Marcelli, Swedish Ambassador Mikael Lindvall and UK Ambassador Neil Wigan for meetings with His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, His Excellency Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed and His Excellency Speaker of the Federal Parliament Mohamed Osman Jawari.  They discussed the ongoing political crisis and urged the leaders to find a solution that would allow the Federal Government to implement the Vision 2016 plan for Somalia’s political transformation in a timely manner.  Their meetings came as the Federal Government and Somalia’s international partners prepare for the first Ministerial-level High Level Partnership Forum (HLPF) in Copenhagen on 19 and 20 November. 

“The HLPF will be a critical opportunity to review progress and chart the way ahead for the implementation of the New Deal Somali Compact.  The Compact brings together national priorities agreed amongst the Somali people, the Federal Government and the international community.  Much has been achieved, particularly through the concerted and joint efforts of the Federal Government.  But significant challenges remain.  The ongoing political crisis in Somalia is a serious risk to further progress.  I call on all parties to find a way to resolve their differences quickly so that the business of statebuilding and peacebuilding can resume and accelerate.” said SRSG Kay. 

United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM)