The Special Representative of UN Secretary-General for Somalia (SRSG) Nicholas Kay has extended compliments to the President of the Interim Jubba Administration Sheikh Ahmed Islam “Madobe” upon his inauguration, pledging continued support of the UN towards Somalia’s state formation process.

The ceremony was also attended by President of the Federal Government of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, the federal Prime Minister Abdirashid Ali Sharmake, the Puntland President Abdiweli Gaas, the Interim South West Administration President Sharif Hassan Aden, as well as the Galmudug Administration President Abdikarim Hussein Gulled. Also in attendance were representatives from IGAD and representatives from Kenyan and Ethiopian governments, among others.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud congratulated the IJA President and called for unity of purpose among all Somali people for the country to realize the growth and progress it desires.

“I would like to say congratulations to you, President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, and the Interim Jubbaland Administration, and the people of Jubbaland. The people of Jubbaland have succeeded at all steps of the state formation process, so I say congratulations to you all,” said the FGS President.

The IJA President Ahmed Mohamed Islam on his part thanked the various partners for the support extended to his administration. He called for further support to the state formation process, noting that the strength of the federal states will be a pillar for stability across the country.

“We have said many times that if the Jubbaland regions are peaceful and stable, the solution to the problems of Somalia will be easily found. This is because these regions are home to many of Somalia’s tribes. This means that if these regions are stable and peaceful, peace will then be realized in Somalia as a country,” noted the IJA President.

The Special Representative of UN Secretary-General for Somalia, (SRSG) Nicholas Kay on his part said, “I am very happy to be back in Kismayo today to see the inauguration of Sheik Ahmed Islam-Madobe. Congratulations. You have been entrusted by the Jubba Regional Assembly to take on huge responsibility and lead in the building of this state. This is an important milestone in the state formation process. I congratulate you on the election and pledge the United Nation’s continuous support in addressing the immense challenges facing the Administration’’.

SRSG Kay encouraged President Madobe and the Jubba Regional Assembly to restore balance in its composition in an inclusive manner, and also welcomed the recent move to increase the number of seats in the Jubba Assembly.

“The representativeness and inclusivity of this Assembly will foster confidence in the Administration,” said SRSG Kay.

Speaking on behalf of IGAD, the Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Minister, Tedros Adhanom congratulated the new administration while calling for continued support.

“I would like to thank the IGAD Secretariat, all our international partners, to mention a few, the UN Secretary General Special Envoy Nicholas Kay and the European Union Special Envoy and other ambassadors for their tireless support in this noble journey,’’ he said.

The IJA President Ahmed Mohamed Islam was re-elected into office on the 15^th of August 2015.