Kismayo - The Interim Jubba Administration (IJA) Regional Assembly was inaugurated on Thursday, marking an important step in Somalia’s state formation process.

The inauguration ceremony, held in the port city of Kismayo, was witnessed by the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the Leader of the IJA, Sheikh Ahmed Islam Madobe, the AU Mission in Somalia's Force Commander Lt. Gen. Jonathan Rono, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development’s Special Envoy to Somalia, Mohamed Abdi Affey, as well as delegations representing Ethiopia, Kenya and the United Nations, among others.

Speaking during the ceremony, President Hassan appealed for unity from all Somali people and called for concerted effort towards stabilization of the country now recovering from years of conflict.

“What we have lost is a nation and to restore is a huge burden for all us to carry and as the Somali people, we must forget about the past and focus on the present and the future," he said.

Annie Demirjian, Director of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia’s Political and Mediation Group, congratulated the Administration, describing the assembly’s inauguration as a key milestone in the implementation of the 2013 Addis Ababa Accord, which established the IJA.

“On behalf of the SRSG and the United Nations, I truly congratulate you. I know you have a heavy responsibility on your shoulders but I am certain that you will carry the responsibility in a very transparent manner,” she said. “This important institution marks a very important step in the state formation process of the Federal Republic of Somalia and as the ultimate representative body of all communities residing within the three Jubba regions which include Gedo, Middle Jubba and Lower Jubba.”

She lauded the significant steps the administration has taken so far, including establishment of the Executive Council and holding two reconciliation conferences as well as the successful election of the Assembly’s Speaker and his deputies.

IJA Leader Madobe thanked partners including IGAD, the United Nations, the African Union who continue to extend support to the regional government.

The process of constituting the assembly began in January and was concluded in April, with the swearing in 75 Members of Parliament.

The Assembly elected Sheikh Abdi Mohamed as the Speaker, Adan Kalif Haji as the first Deputy Speaker and Abdi Baley Hussein as second Deputy Speaker during elections held last week.