“This is another encouraging sign for Somalia’s progress to meet the goals set out in ‘Vision 2016’ and the Provisional Federal Constitution” said the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Nicholas Kay.
Under the leadership of the Federal Government, representatives from the region signed a document stating they would work together towards the establishment of a new administration in central Somalia.
The ‘Vision 2016 National Conference’ was held in Mogadishu, Somalia, on September 2013 by the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) – which Kay heads – to discuss the region’s future and express UN support of a concrete vision to move Somalia towards democracy by 2016.
“The process of federalism is aimed at building a stronger, more united and peaceful Somalia” added Kay, underlining the commitment of the UN to support the Federal Government’s peace-building and state-building efforts.
The envoy called this move the first step in a process of state formation in the region. He urged, however, the full participation of women.
“The United Nations and the international community are ready to support this Somali-led, Somali owned federalism project” Kay concluded.
Special Representative for Somalia Nicholas Kay. Photo: AU/UN/IST/Tobin Jones