Mogadishu – The United Nations, Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the European Union (EU), African Union Mission in Somalia and the United Kingdom welcomed the launch of the selection process for the new Regional Assembly for the Interim Juba Administration (IJA), calling on the authorities to ensure that all communities represented.

“We welcome the launch of the selection process for the Interim Juba Administration’s Regional Assembly. This is an important step towards peace and state-building for the people of the Juba regions, as well as all Somalis. We urge the IJA leadership to include women, youth and minority groups in the regional decision-making process by ensuring their participation in the new Assembly. Ensuring a fair and inclusive process will help build a just, peaceful society that can serve as a model for the rest of the country.

We stand ready to support the authorities and we urge all parties to engage in constructive consultation and reconciliation with all stakeholders, ensuring that the interests of all communities are protected. Somalia’s international partners remain committed to supporting the nation’s peace and state-building process.”

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