Press Release:United States Welcomes the Election of the First Interim South West Administration President

U.S. Special Representative for Somalia (SRS) James P. McAnulty welcomes the November 17 election of Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan as President of the Interim South West Administration (ISWA) comprised of Bay, Bakool, and Lower Shabelle regions in southern Somalia.

The United States congratulates all stakeholders for their constructive work and diligence over the past months that made the election orderly and credible.

We also recognize the critical role the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) played to help facilitate the reconciliation process and subsequent election, and urge concerted action to continue working towards meeting the Vision 2016 timelines for completion of the state formation process.

“The United States welcomes this historic election and encourages the leadership of the ISWA to establish an administration that promotes inclusion of all communities in these regions, delivers essential services to its citizens, and furthers peace and stability.

We also encourage the ISWA to engage in productive dialogue with the FGS leading to its eventual formal recognition as a federal member state,” said SRS McAnulty.

The United States Government remains a committed partner to the government and citizens of Somalia and will continue to support Somalia’s path towards a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future.