By M.A. Egge
The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro stated the intent of his administration in implementing multifaceted progressive tangible change for the better, and t the same time, reiterating the resolve of addressing conflicts through peaceful conciliatory processes.
The Head of State gave the facts as he on Wednesday evening received the Presidency the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) of the United Nations (UN) for Somaliland/Somalia, Mr. James Swan, who is visiting Somaliland.
He was accompanied at the meeting by several members of his cabinet ministers.
The envoy congratulated the President of Somaliland on his victory in the presidential election held on the 13th of November 2024.
He commended the Republic of Somaliland for the fair and transparent elections held in the country and the civilized manner in which the power was transferred.
He particularly commended the President for establishing the national Somaliland Peace Council the and warmly welcomed the call for peace issued by the President of Somaliland, especially for dialogue and a peaceful resolution of conflicts in areas where there is conflict.
Mr. Swan noted that the United Nations agencies are ready to continue the important work of the United Nations in Somaliland. The Special Representative asked the President about his Government’s highlight plans for the first hundred days.
The President thanked the Ag UN SRSG for his visit and mission to Somaliland.
The President acknowledged the extensive and long-standing work, both in terms of humanitarian and development, carried out by the United Nations Agencies within the country. The President told the envoy that his government is firmly committed to two priorities:
1) Sustainable peace,
2) Implementing multifaceted and tangible change.
President Abdirahman Irro told pointed out that on the day he assumed office, he officially called for an unconditional peace process, but sadly the immediate response was that repeated attacks were perpetrated from different directions in eastern Somaliland.
The President noted that such skirmishes would however not daunt nor discourage his government’s resolve hence the reason of establishing the National Peace Council in order to:
- Facilitate an unconditional ceasefire,
- Facilitate the exchange of prisoners, and
- Reopen closed roads that are essential for social movement and trade.
The President assured the envoy that the peace and stability that has prevailed in Somaliland for more than 30 years has contributed significantly to the Horn of Africa region in general.
In this regard, he observed, Somaliland needs United Nations assistance in strengthening and empowering the Somaliland security system, so that the nation can respond or prevent major threats in the Horn of Africa region.
In conclusion, the Head of State remarked that his government was ready to work closely with the United Nations, other international organizations and donor governments to strengthen Somaliland’s peace and stability, the reform of the national institutions and its goal of achieving sustainable development.
The meeting concluded with mutual understanding by both parties.