Mogadishu - The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia (SRSG), Nicholas Kay, has today welcomed the establishment of the Executive Council of the Interim Jubba Administration.

“I congratulate Leader Sheikh Ahmed Madobe Islan on the formal inauguration of the Interim Jubba Administration, as well as the appointed Deputy Leaders and Ministers. This is a milestone in the process of implementing the 27 August Addis Ababa Agreement,” SRSG Kay said during the inauguration ceremony in Kismayo.

He highlighted the need for the Administration to represent all the people of the three regions, with a special emphasis on women's participation.

“I commend the Administration for their commitment to implementing the agreement and I encourage you to build on the progress made so far. Key outstanding issues such as the handover of the Kismayo airport and seaport and the return and reintegration of militias must be resolved as a matter of urgency,” he said.

“The United Nations will continue to work with international partners to mobilise resources in support of the Administration’s key priority areas and in the context of the New Deal compact. UNSOM is present in Kismayo and will continue to facilitate dialogue, offer technical assistance and support the Federal Government and the Interim Jubba Administration in the state formation process,” Mr. Kay added.