SRSG Nicholas Kay on the agreement on Jubba signed in Addis

28 Aug 2013

SRSG Nicholas Kay on the agreement on Jubba signed in Addis

Mogadishu / Addis Ababa – SRSG Nicholas Kay welcomed today the agreement signed in Addis Ababa by Minister of State Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir and Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islaan “Madobe” on behalf of the Federal Government of Somalia and the Interim Jubba Administration respectively. Ethiopia as chair of IGAD signed as guarantor. The agreement establishes the modalities of administration and governance in the Lower Jubba, Middle Jubba and Gedo for the coming period.

“This is a significant step towards restoring peace in Somalia, building a strong Federal Somalia and contributing to regional and international security” said SRSG Kay. “This agreement unlocks the door to a better future for Somalia.”

He praised the role of IGAD and in particular Ethiopia and Foreign Minister Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as Chair of the IGAD Council of Ministers. “Their tireless efforts helped the parties to reach an agreement. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s statesmanship and leadership and Ahmed Madobe’s courage and commitment to the political process were vital.”

SRSG Kay also applauded the supportive role of Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon.

Congratulating Ahmed Madobe on becoming the Leader of the Interim Jubba Administration, SRSG Kay said: “Leadership comes with responsibilities. The people of Jubba and of all Somalia will be looking to the new interim administration to deliver peace, security and public services. This is an interim agreement and gives the administration an opportunity to govern in the interests of all, including creating the conditions for the safe return of those displaced by the recent fighting in Kismaayo and ending the illegal export on charcoal.”

“All parties gain from this agreement. I urge all to implement it in good faith. Any action to undermine it will have a negative impact on the people of Somalia and on the international community’s efforts to support peace and stability. I shall follow closely the implementation of the agreement” added SRSG Kay. “I wish Ahmed Madobe and the new administration every success.”

UNSOM is mandated to support peace-building and state-building as well as the Federal Government’s peace and reconciliation process. The Federal Government and IGAD have called for a reconciliation conference to follow this agreement, which UNSOM stands ready to assist. UNSOM will establish a presence in Kismaayo to support the new administration with its efforts.

“This agreement allows the people and authorities of Somalia to focus on what matters: peace and security; creating jobs, schools and clinics; and building a new Somalia based on mutual respect, rule of law and reconciliation” SRSG Kay said.