Somalia’s new envoy to the UN, Garaad presents credentials to UN chief

Somalia’s new ambassador to the UN Yusuf Garaad today presented his credentials to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Garaad replaces former permanent representative Elmi Ahmed Duale who appointed in 2005.

Garaad is a veteran journalist and was until his appointment President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s media advisor.

He announced on his twitter handle Saturday that he had presented his credentials to the outgoing UN chief. The envoy said on his blog that he was grateful to Somalia and the UN for the chance to serve as envoy.

In his meeting Ki-moon, Garaad said they had discussed ways to strengthen Somalia’s institutions especially as the country is undergoing transition from many years of conflict.

“We noted that the country is in a transition to progress, therefore there is need to maintain and strengthen and support the institutions,” the envoy said.