AU pledges support for HirShabelle state

African Union envoy to Somalia Francisco Madeira has pledged to support HirShabelle state improve security and develop its infrastructure.

A delegation led by Madeira visited President Ali Abdullahi Osoble at  his office in Jowhar discussing a range of issues including security, development and the ongoing electoral process.

Ambassador Madeira made the commitment during a visit to Jowhar, where he met with the President of HirShabelle state Ali Abdulahi Osoble.

“We want to support the President in his efforts to develop this state by ensuring infrastructure like roads are developed and remain passable, so that the population can take their produce from their farms to the market because this is a farming area and the population are farmers,” said Madeira.

Madeira expressed satisfaction with the progress made in implementing the 30 percent gender rule, adding that out of the 11 seats reserved for women, nine have been filled.

The Chief of Staff of HirShabelle state, Abdiqadir Abdullahi Hooshow, thanked the Ambassador Madeira for visiting the State and sharing his thoughts on various issues with the regional administration.

“The talks between the Special Representative of the AU and the President of HirShabelle were on security, infrastructure development support and on accelerating the electoral process,” Mr. Hooshow observed.

Ambassador Madeira also held talks with senior military commanders of the African Union Mission in Somalia, (AMISOM) stationed in Jowhar. The meeting focused on, among others, security and the ongoing electoral process.

AMISOM troops continue to work with the Somali national security forces to secure the ongoing electoral process in the federal states.