UN and Somalia hold frank discussions following political fallout

31st January 2019 By: African News Agency

UN and Somalia hold frank discussions following political fallout

Photo by: Reuters

Tensions between Somalia and the United Nations (UN) seem to be improving following "open, cordial and frank" discussions between the two sides in the Somali capital Mogadishu.

This comes in the wake of earlier tensions following the expulsion of senior UN official, South African diplomat Nicholas Haysom, from Somalia after he criticised the government.

Mogadishu accused the former lawyer for Nelson Mandela of interfering in the "internal affairs" of Somalia, exceeding his mandate as UN Special Envoy to the country, after he criticised Mogadishu’s treatment of a former Al Shabaab leader who was running for state-wide office. After Haysom was declared persona non grata, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced his support for the South African and his work.

On Wednesday, Somalia’s two top politicians, President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, held talks with the UN political and peace building affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo in the Somali capital, UN News reported.

In a joint statement, the two sides committed to strengthening the relationship between the UN and Somalia while also discussing practical measures to work together for the benefit of all Somalis and ways to support the country's state and peace building priorities.

DiCarlo commended Somalia's efforts at reform and affirmed that the UN would strongly support the implementation of the milestones set out by the Somali government in regard to inclusive politics, security and justice, economic recovery, and social development.

Khaire responded saying his government had high regard for the work of the UN of which Somalia is a proud member, and emphasised Somalia's commitment to its international obligations.

The prime minister also reiterated the critical role the UN was playing in Somalia and thanked the organisation for its contribution to its path from conflict to stability and growth.