UN chief phones Farmajo after increased Al-Shabab attacks

The United Nations boss has also expressed his support for African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and his hope that Somalia would be able to ensure its own security as soon as possible.

News Keydmedia Online
12 April 2022

NEW YORK – The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has held a phone call on Monday with the outgoing Somali president Mohamed Farmajo as the country faces a security and election crisis.

The UN said in a statement that Guterres has expressed his solidarity with Somalia in the face of increased Al-Shabaab attacks, and the severe drought the country is facing.

The United Nations boss has also expressed his support for African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and his hope that Somalia would be able to ensure its own security as soon as possible.

The Secretary-General and the President also discussed the electoral process in Somalia.

Guterres has hoped there would be a swift conclusion to the delayed electoral process and that any outstanding and disputed issues be addressed through meaningful dialogue.

The UN is a major supporter of Somalia and has mandated the African Union Mission in Somalia, now renamed ATMIS, which will continue the stabilization efforts for three years.

Farmajo, who has been in office for more than five years was blamed for failing to restore security in the country and defeat Al-Shabaab, which was part of his election promise.

KEYDMEDIA English