“I chose to come to Baledweyne on my first visit to south-central regions outside Mogadishu because Hiraan is at the heart of Somalia.
Mogadishu, 14 December 2013 – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia Nicholas Kay, visited Beledweyne, capital of the Hiraan region in his first visit to the central regions of Somalia.
Upon arrival SRSG Kay said: “I chose to come to Beledweyne on my first visit to south-central regions outside Mogadishu because Hiraan is at the heart of Somalia. What happens here can shape the future of Somalia.”
The Governor of Hiraan region, Abdi Farah Laqanyo welcomed SRSG Kay, briefed him on the challenges facing the region, especially security, and commended the work of the UN agencies.
SRSG Kay reiterated UNSOM and the UN family's continuous support and announced his intention to open an UNSOM office in Beledweyne in 2014.
Kay further praised the role of AMISOM and especially the Djiboutian contingent. “The dedication and great humanity of the Djiboutian forces have helped save lives and build stability. AMISOM and the Somali National Forces trained by Djibouti have the determination and the skills to defeat the threat from Al Shabaab.”
Kay also visited the SNA military camp, Lamagalay, which is being rehabilitated thanks to the generosity of Djibouti and AMISOM.
