Garoowe June 10, 2023 (SD) – The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Somalia, Ms. Catriona Laing, paid her first visit to Puntland today, where she held meetings with Puntland officials.

According to a statement from the UN Office in Somalia, Ms. Catriona Laing discussed various issues with Puntland authorities, including the recent local elections, the need for inclusive governance, peace-building efforts, state-building, and UN support.

Puntland state of Somalia successfully held local elections in 30 districts on the 25th of May.

Speaking about the recent district elections in Puntland, Catriona Laing conveyed her congratulations to the people of Puntland, stating, “This is a significant step forward in the advancement of democracy, and it also demonstrates that progress can be made in other parts of Somalia.”

The new representative arrived in the capital, Mogadishu, a few days ago, taking over from James Swan, who completed his assignment last year.