The United Nations envoy in Somalia has called for dialogue to help resolve the challenges facing the country’s Somaliland region.
James Swan, special representative of the UN Secretary-General in Somalia made the remarks during his visit to Hargeisa, where he also called for more efforts by political leaders to resolve any differences amicably.
“I want to take this occasion to emphasize the importance of building and maintaining open channels of communication to resolve differences peacefully and constructively,” the UN envoy said in a statement issued in Mogadishu after the visit.
During his two-day visit, the UN official met with local leaders as well as women leaders and beneficiaries of UN programs.
“Part of the reason I’m here is to help strengthen our collaboration regarding humanitarian activities, economic development and capacity-building for local governance and service delivery,” Swan said.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress that the various projects have had and the impact they have had on the community.
“The communities hosting refugees and asylum-seekers are already making a big contribution to these groups, and these programs not only equip the refugees with critical skills, but also benefit the wider community,” he said.
