The top United Nations official for Somalia today visited its Federal Member State (FMS) of Puntland, where he discussed a range of local and national topics with its leader, President Said Abdullahi Mohamed ‘Deni.’ 

In relation to Puntland, efforts at improving security and lowering tensions figured prominently. 

“We discussed the security situation and I commended Puntland authorities for their efforts in containing terrorist groups in Bari region, and for working to de-escalate clan conflicts over land disputes in Mudug region,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Acting Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan.

He was speaking at a joint press encounter with President Deni in the FMS’ capital, Garowe. This followed meetings between Puntland’s leader and Mr. Swan, as well senior members of the former’s administration and senior UN humanitarian and development officials who formed part of the latter’s delegation.

In his remarks, the Acting UN Special Representative also noted that renewed incidents of piracy off the FMS’ coast, as well as the impact of continued migration flows through Puntland, required attention.

On democratization efforts in the FMS, the top UN official welcomed preparations by the Puntland Electoral Commission, and the population of Nugal region, for the start of a direct local elections campaign there, scheduled on 23 July in three districts, including in Garowe. 

“We hope these elections for local councils will build on the achievements of the local election held in May 2023, and further reinforce democratization as well as progress in the participation of women and youth,” Mr. Swan said. 

Solutions for national challenges 

On issues of national importance, President Deni and Mr. Swan discussed topics which included the ongoing campaign against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group, the constitutional reform process, and the next election cycle. 

The Acting UN Special Representative noted that, while Somalia had achieved tremendous progress in recent years, many challenges remained, and highlighted the need for agreement and cooperation.

“In light of this reality, I expressed the view that it would be to the benefit of the Somali people if the country’s senior leaders – the Federal Government President and Federal Member State Presidents – could overcome any outstanding differences and find a way to work together, to agree on solutions to these national challenges, and then to take action in unity,” said Mr. Swan.  

“To this end, I urge leaders in Mogadishu and Garowe, with the help of other Federal Member State leaders, to take the steps necessary so that they can resume working together cooperatively,” he added. 

Humanitarian and development support 

Another area highlighted during the meetings was the continued focus of the government of Puntland on advancing development priorities and responding effectively to humanitarian needs. 

“UN efforts support the Puntland Development Plan, which is in turn aligned with the Somali National Development Plan and UN Sustainable Development Goals,” Mr. Swan noted in his remarks.  

Mr. Swan travelled to Garowe with a small delegation of UN officials working in support of Puntland and Somalia’s humanitarian and development goals. They included Crispen Rukasha, the Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA); Ezana Kassa, the Head of Programme of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); and Prestage Murima, the Deputy Head of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) operation in Somalia.

“Humanitarian aid provided through the UN includes extensive support to address food insecurity, health needs, and the requirements of Internally Displaced Persons, among many other activities,” Mr. Swan said.

“Let me reiterate,” he continued, “the United Nations’ commitment to working closely with President Deni and his government to support the advancement of the people of Puntland and all Somalia.”

This year, a budget of $120 million was allocated for humanitarian, development, peace-building, security sector reform and democratization interventions led by 14 UN agencies, funds and programmes active in Puntland’s cities of Garowe, Bosaso and Galkayo.

As part of his initial round of in-person meetings with Somali leaders, the top UN official has already visited the Federal Member States of Jubaland, Galmudug, and South West State. He met with Federal President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre in Mogadishu.

James Swan was appointed to his current position by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres on 14 May 2024. He previously served as the UN chief’s Special Representative for Somalia and Head of UNSOM from 2019 to 2022.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

The President of the Republic, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan has sent a message of condolences following the passing of Dr. Guy Ahmoye.

“Seychelles is deeply saddened following the passing of one of the most respected and known Seychellois doctors, Dr. Guy Ahmoye. On behalf of the country and on my personal behalf, I wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.

Through his profession as a prominent physician, Dr Ahmoye, whether in Seychelles or overseas truly touched many lives. His passing is a great loss for the country and the medical profession.

May his loved ones find peace and comfort in the memories they cherish of him. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and served as one of the best Seychellois doctors of his generation.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

In early June, a delegation of the American Embassy and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation Medical Research International (HJFMRI) in Tanzania, led by Mark Breda, Country Director of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) and Sally Chalamila, Executive Director of HJFMRI in Tanzania, visited key project implementation sites in Mbeya and Songwe region and met with beneficiaries and regional officials. As part of a comprehensive HIV prevention, care, and treatment program funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), they visited several peer-driven HIV youth initiatives and DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe) mentorship program sites. The programs address the rising HIV incidence among adolescents and youth, which has increased alarmingly in recent years.

Peer-Driven HIV Interventions for Youth: In Mkwajuni, Songwe region, Mark Breda and Sally Chalamila visited a youth engagement point and met Fredrick Mwashimanga, popularly known as Manyota. Manyota, a committed volunteer with the HJFMRI Southern Highland Program.  Mr. Mwashimanga utilizes his passion for music to educate his peers on the benefits of HIV testing and condom use, while distributing HIV self-tests. His creative approach targets adolescents and young adults, including motorcycle drivers and young individuals aged 15-24. By leveraging peer-to-peer outreach, the program ensures that interventions are responsive to the unique differences and needs of young people.

Empowering Adolescent Girls and Young Women: In Nswiswi village, Mbeya region, the delegation visited a DREAMS group where beneficiaries receive education on HIV, reproductive health, gender-based violence, financial capability, and economic empowerment. The DREAMS program aims to reduce HIV rates among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15-24, who are at a high risk due for HIV infection.  Janeth Mwakitege, a DREAMS mentor, shared her journey of empowerment after being diagnosed with HIV. With her viral load now suppressed, Janeth supports AGYW in forming groups and accessing HIV services. Funded by PEPFAR through WRAIR, the DREAMS initiative operates in three districts of Mbeya and Tunduma in Songwe, providing a safe space for AGYW to enhance their skills and resilience.

Enhancing Laboratory Services in Southern Highlands In a significant boost to healthcare infrastructure, laboratory items worth Tsh 132,972,500 were handed over to strengthen laboratory services in the southern highland regions.

The handover, presided over by Rungwe District Commissioner Hon. Jafary Haniu, saw the distribution of equipment including mini refrigerators, cooler boxes, fridge guards, and power stabilizers to regional medical officers from Mbeya, Songwe, Rukwa, and Katavi. These items, provided by HJFMRI with PEPFAR funding through WRAIR, aim to improve the efficiency and quality of sample management while reducing operational costs associated with sample transportation. Emphasizing the importance of proper management and utilization, Hon. Haniu urged regional medical officers to ensure these donations are used effectively to strengthen laboratory services.

These visits and initiatives underscore the critical efforts being made to combat HIV in Tanzania. From empowering youth and AGYW through peer-driven and DREAMS programs to enhancing laboratory services; these activities highlight a comprehensive approach to HIV prevention, care, and treatment. These efforts are vital in ensuring long and healthy lives for the communities in Mbeya, Songwe, Rukwa, and Katavi regions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Tanzania.

Ethiopian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nebiyu Tedla had a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Nasser Kanaani, who is also the president of Iran’s Foreign Ministry’s Center for Public Diplomacy, on Friday in Moscow and exchanged views on bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual interest.

During the meeting, held on the sidelines of a meeting of the BRICS member states’ spokespersons, Tedla said cooperation should be bolstered to counter fake news and lies against countries like Iran, Russia, and Ethiopia.

Furthermore, he denounced Western countries for the instrumental use of human rights and international structures related to the field.

For his part, Kanaani underlined the cooperation between BRICS member states against hate-mongering and lies disseminated in the media aimed at distorting the image of the independent countries in the world.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson also stressed that the cooperation should be directed at confronting the selective use of human rights and terrorism by some Western countries as tools in order to fulfill their unlawful political objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Islamic Republic of Iran.