Somalia needs crucial support towards 2016, says UN envoy Nicholas Kay

UN Special envoy to Somalia has called for sustained support to Somalia as the country enters one of the most critical stages in its history towards elections and ushering in of a new administration late 2016.

Kay said Somalia, more than ever people needed support noting that scaling back now would crush hopes of millions of Somalis and endanger peace and security in the Horn of Africa and East Africa. He noted that there was urgent need to cushion millions of youth from joblessness adding that seven out of ten youth aged 35 did not have any jobs.

Striking an upbeat assessment of the general situation of Somalia ranging from the federalisation process, preparations for elections and improved security situation, Kay said there was still a lot to be done to ensure full recovery of Somalia.

“While rightly looking back and forward, we should be somberly realistic about the present. The plight of millions of Somalis is a calamity and an indictment. The vast majority continue to suffer abject poverty, displacement, insecurity, and predatory corruption, with little rule of law or respect for human rights. Somali resilience is legendary. But even the most resilient may buckle in the end. In all conscience Somalia’s leaders and international partners need to do more rather than less,” said Kay.

While addressing the Security Council in New York, Kay said remarkable progress had been made in Somalia pointing to the state formation process as a milestone. He however called for the speedy start of the Hiiran and Middle Shabelle state. Kay urged continued progress on the national consultations towards the 2016 elections and expected to be more inclusive than in 2012.

Kay thanked the Security Council and the government of Somalia for supporting him and the office in Mogadishu for the last two years as he concludes his assignment the end of this year.