HARGEYSA (KAAB TV) – The United Nations Special Envoy to Somalia, Ambassador James Swan, continued his diplomatic tour in the region, meeting with President Muse Bihi Abdi and members of his cabinet in Hargeisa on Saturday.
This follows his visit to Garowe last week as part of efforts to engage regional leaders across the Horn of Africa.
The discussions in Hargeisa centered around key regional issues, including the upcoming elections in Somaliland, set for November 13, and the broader security challenges facing the Horn of Africa. Ambassador Swan also emphasized cooperation between the Republic of Somaliland and the United Nations in addressing these critical issues.
Accompanying President Muse Bihi in the meeting were high-ranking officials from his administration, including Minister of Interior Mohamed Kahin Ahmed, Minister of Planning and National Development Ahmed Mohamed Diriye (Toorno), and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Rooda Jama Elmi.
Ambassador Swan was joined by members of his delegation, including Obinna Okamgba, Nikolai, Dana Palade, Ahmed Qalinle, Dahir Mohamed Dahir, and Mustafa Khaire.
Somaliland’s election preparations have drawn considerable attention, with three candidates, including the incumbent President Bihi, contesting the presidency. The political climate in Somaliland is being watched closely amid rising regional tensions.
The recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier this year between Somaliland and Ethiopia has sparked diplomatic friction with Somalia, which views the agreement as undermining its sovereignty.
Mogadishu has expressed discontent over the deal, heightening the geopolitical tension between Somalia and Ethiopia.
Meanwhile, the international community, including the United Nations, has been actively involved in trying to de-escalate these tensions, particularly as Somalia faces a resurgent threat from terrorist groups. The rise in pirate activity along the Somali coast has further compounded security concerns, with reports suggesting that Yemeni-based Houthi militias are supplying arms to both terrorists and pirate groups, posing a threat to maritime security in the region.
The situation remains fragile, with diplomatic efforts ongoing to promote stability and security across the Horn of Africa.