HARGEISA (KAAB TV) – In a significant diplomatic engagement, Catriona Laing, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, bid farewell with a crucial meeting with Somaliland President Muse Biihi Abdi in Hargeisa.
Laing, a seasoned British diplomat, engaged in discussions encompassing the UN’s role in supporting various sectors crucial for societal development in the region, including social development, health, education, and humanitarian affairs.
Laing’s departure, slated for May 21, comes after a year-long assignment marked by formidable challenges posed by the complex socio-political landscape in Somalia, particularly under the administration of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
During her visit on Tuesday, Laing addressed the tense situation in Laascaanood, Sool, where clashes between Dhulbahante SSC-Khaatumo forces and Somaliland resulted in Laascaanood’s departure from Somaliland’s rule and the establishment of a new administration.
In reflecting on the discussions, Laing remarked, “We were both pleased to see that things have calmed down there, and the President assured me that it is his objective that things remain calm.
I explained that the UN will play its part in delivering humanitarian assistance and demining for the benefit of the people in that region.”
The meeting underscores the intricate dynamics within the Horn of Africa region and the ongoing efforts by international bodies like the UN to navigate complex political landscapes and promote peace, stability, and development in Somalia and its neighboring territories.
Just last week, the Somali government surprised the international community by abruptly demanding the termination of the UN Office in Somalia’s mandate by October 2024.
However, this stance quickly shifted when the Foreign Minister subsequently issued a softer letter on Friday, requesting a transition plan to pave the way for the eventual conclusion of UNSOM’s presence in the country.