UN Special Representative congratulates Somalia on 55th Independence anniversary

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia (SRSG) Nicholas Kay congratulated the people and Government of Somalia on their 55th Independence Anniversary. He commended the efforts they are making to overcome over two decades of instability as well as the progress achieved in the ongoing peace building and state-building processes.

“We applaud the people of Somalia in their efforts to rebuild a more stable Somalia,” said SRSG Kay, on the strides taken in the state formation process, constitutional reforms and the establishment of the essential legislative framework with a view to achieving Somalia’s Vision 2016.

SRSG Kay welcomed the progress in the state formation process throughout the regions, including the establishment of the Interim Jubba Administration (IJA), the Interim South West Administration (ISWA) and the Galmudug Regional Administration, in addition to institution-building in Puntland.

While noting the progress made on enacting key legislation to advance Vision 2016, he urged urgency on completion of the remaining key laws and institutions to be formed, such as the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) and Boundaries and Federation Commission (BFC).

SRSG Kay also praised the bravery and sacrifices of the Somali National Army (SNA), Somali Police Force (SPF) and the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) in combatting violent extremism to restore safety and security in the country.

“As Somalia enters the 56th year of its independence, we look forward to a smooth transition to a new political dispensation in 2016.” SRSG Kay said.