Nicholas Kay, head of the new UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), arrived on 13 June in Somaliland, which he said has remained “an island of relative peace and stability” and could provide lessons for peace consolidation throughout the wider region. The mandate of UNSOM, which began operations on 3 June, is to support the building of national capacity, peacebuilding, with a focus on good governance, security sector reform, rule of law, human rights, providing “good offices” for mediation and political reconciliation and coordination of international assistance.

Mr. Kay (centre) is seen with health workers on the roof of a hospital in Hargeisa during his visit to Somaliland.