UN Envoy, South West State President Discuss Security, Elections, and Humanitarian Crisis in Baidoa

GOOBJOOG NEWS|BAIDOA: The United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, met with South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed ‘Laftagareen’ in Baidoa on Monday to discuss pressing issues including security, upcoming elections, and the region’s deepening humanitarian crisis.

Speaking after their meeting, Swan said the talks covered both state and national concerns, noting recent security gains in the recovery of Sabiid and Bariire in Lower Shabelle. “The President and I discussed a wide range of state and national issues, including security, preparations for elections, and humanitarian needs,” he told reporters.

South West State is bearing the brunt of Somalia’s displacement crisis, hosting around 800,000 internally displaced people, with 650,000 of them in Baidoa alone. Swan acknowledged the strain this places on the state amid shrinking global aid budgets. “Despite global funding shortfalls, the United Nations will continue to do its utmost within available resources to assist those most in need,” he assured.

The two leaders also addressed Somalia’s electoral preparations, highlighting mobile voter registration efforts designed to include women, youth, displaced persons, and marginalized communities. Swan emphasized the need for unity and dialogue among Somalia’s political stakeholders, praising President Abdiaziz’s past constructive role and urging him to continue fostering inclusivity.

“The United Nations will remain a partner to South West State and to the Federal Government of Somalia in advancing peace, state-building, responses to security threats, and humanitarian and development needs of the Somali people,” Swan said in conclusion.