Somali Foreign Minister and UN Envoy Engage in Dialogue on Emerging UNTMIS Mission and Recent Political Updates

Mogadishu (AX) — On Saturday, Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi engaged in a pivotal conversation with James Swan, the Acting Special Representative of the United Nations, in Mogadishu. Their discussion revolved around the newly inaugurated United Nations Transitional Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), which has taken over from UNSOM.

This meeting came just a day after UNTMIS’s official debut on November 1. The dialogue centered on Somalia’s evolving role within the UN Security Council, along with critical security initiatives and the conversations currently underway within the National Consultative Council (NCC).

Both parties reached a consensus on crafting a collaborative roadmap. This roadmap aims to synchronize UNTMIS’s goals with Somalia’s strategic ambitions, fostering regional stability and development while bolstering Somalia’s leadership in promoting peace and security.

As a transitional body, UNTMIS will make it a priority to support the establishment of free and fair elections, alongside the protection of human rights during its inaugural year. A gradual handover of certain responsibilities to Somali authorities is anticipated to happen by year’s end.

During the meeting, Ambassador Fiqi also updated Swan on the recent advancements in the Ankara Talks with Ethiopia regarding a lingering diplomatic standoff. He underscored the government’s dedication to implementing a one-person, one-vote electoral framework, contingent upon reaching an agreement within the NCC.

The NCC framework, backed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, the mayor of Mogadishu, and three regional heads, outlines a timeline for elections. Local, regional, and municipal elections are slated for June 2025, with parliamentary and presidential elections following in September 2025. Additionally, the NCC has recommended the establishment of a National Independent Electoral Commission to oversee the electoral proceedings.

Despite strides made in reform, such as the enactment of a universal suffrage bill in March, notable regional figures like Said Abdullahi Deni of Northeastern State and Ahmed Madobe of Jubbaland have vocally rejected the NCC’s proposed electoral timetable.

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

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