7 March 2015 – During an official visit to Kismayo today, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Somalia, Nicholas Kay, welcomed the Interim Juba Administration’s progress towards forming a regional assembly.

“I welcome the progress on forming the IJA’s regional assembly, and urge the speedy conclusion of a transparent and inclusive process, in which women and minorities are properly represented,” said Mr. Kay. “Ensuring a fair and inclusive process will help build a just and peaceful society for the people of the Juba regions as well as all Somalis.”

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He met the IJA’s leader, Ahmed Madobe, and the two discussed political and security issues. Mr. Kay was also briefed by the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) Special Envoy for Somalia, Mohamed Abdi Affey .

Mr. Kay congratulated the IJA on its recent engagement with other regional administrations and with the Federal Government of Somalia.

“Now it is critical to focus on accelerating federalism, the constitutional review and democratisation ahead of the end of the Federal Government’s term in 2016,” he said.

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