“I wanted to come to show how important Somalia is to the United Nations,”
Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo said in
an interview after meeting with Federal President Mohamed Abdullahi
Mohamed Farmaajo at the presidential palace in the Somali capital.
Mogadishu.
“It’s a high priority” for her and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, she added.
The visit is her first field trip since she was appointed to the
high-ranking position one month ago and is part of a regional tour of
three countries in the East Africa, including Kenya and Nigeria.
“I had a very good discussion with the President, and it is very
clear Somalia has made a great deal of progress over the last decade,”
Ms. DiCarlo stated, adding that she had assured the President of the
UN’s continued support to Somalia.
Ms. DiCarlo expressed satisfaction with the progress the country has
achieved on the political and security fronts and noted recent efforts
to expedite the constitutional review process.
Speaking at the presidential palace, Ms. DiCarlo said the aim of her
first field visit was to support the ongoing political and peace
processes in the country as well as explore how best to assist Somalia
to overcome some of its challenges, ranging from the humanitarian
situation and security to the political agenda.
The UN official commended the work undertaken by the federal
constitutional bodies and the recently held National Constitutional
Convention that underscored inclusivity, cooperation, and compromise for
the good of the country as critical aspects for finalizing the
constitutional review process within this year.
“Somalia is at a critical juncture.
Progress on the constitutional review could lead to a breakthrough.
Unity of Somalis is essential to advance federalism, reduce violence,
defeat extremism, tackle the humanitarian challenges and deliver real
benefits to the population,” the Under-Secretary-General added.
Also today, the Security Council issued a Presidential Statement on Somalia.