"JAMES SWAN"

Security, peace, state-building, and drought were among the issues covered on Sunday by the UN Special Representative for Somalia on his visit to the country’s South West State. UNSOM

In Galmudug, the UN Special Representative for Somalia highlighted state-building, reconciliation, security, and famine prevention. UNSOM

State-building processes and collaboration with Somalia’s new leadership, as well as the support of the United Nations, were among the topics discussed in a meeting of the world body’s top official for the country and the leader of its northern Federal Member State (FMS) of Puntland. UNSOM

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Somalia, James Swan, told the Security Council that the conclusion of Somalia’s electoral process last week was "a major milestone for the country," and urged Somali leaders "to move beyond the prolonged political contest to focus on urgent national priorities." UNIFEED

Peaceful transfer of power in Somalia offers long-awaited opportunity to advance urgent national priorities, Special Representative tells Security Council.

The United Nations in Somalia welcomed the conclusion of the country’s presidential election today. UNSOM

While acknowledging the progress towards finalizing the elections, which are now overdue by over 12 months, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, James Swan, called on “the electoral management bodies, as well as Somalia’s political leaders, to accelerate and quickly conclude the elections for the House of the People.” UNIFEED

Briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Somalia, at critical juncture, must have international support in order to hold overdue elections, restore stability, briefers tell Security Council.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, James Swan, told the Security Council that ongoing delays in the electoral process in Somalia, “continue to stall progress in other critical areas and hamper the achievement of national priorities beyond the elections.” UNIFEED