Kismaayo –The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, welcomed the inauguration of Sheikh Ahmed Islam “Madobe” as the President of the Interim Jubba Administration (IJA).

Speaking at a ceremony held in Kismaayo, SRSG Kay said, “I congratulate President Madobe, on your election and pledge the United Nations’ continued support in addressing the immense challenges facing the Administration in building a Jubbas that future generations can be proud of.”

SRSG Kay also congratulated the Federal Government of Somalia and all the people of the Jubbas who made this day possible through compromise and a recognition of the national interest. Along with Somali stakeholders, SRSG Kay welcomed the contributions of AMISOM and IGAD to the implementation of the 27 August 2013 Addis Ababa Agreement and the Somalia peace and state-building process.

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.

Addressing the national leaders present in the ceremony, SRSG Kay stressed the importance of launching the Consultative Forum on creating a Somali-owned electoral process in 2016. He called on all Somali stakeholders to participate fully in the work of the Forum.

The United Nations remains committed to supporting Somalia’s peace and state-building process.

END.