Deputy Special Representative for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), United Nations Resident Coordinator, Humanitarian Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Peter de Clercq arrives in Hargeisa and holds talks with president Ahmed Silanyo of Somaliland.
President Silanyo has welcomed the delegation to Somaliland and briefed them on the recent drought that impacted on nomads in rural areas in Somaliland.
Mr. Silanyo expressed thanks to the visit embarked by the UN delegations to Somaliland.
President Ahmed has revealed that the drought impacted 200, 000 families and added that it was the worst drought that hit the region.
In regard to the severity of the drought, we have sent a call to the int’l community to bring relief to the impacted families said the president.
The president has informed on the delegation that the families were in need of urgent water, food and shelter.
Mr. Silanyo went on to say that we need to come up with a plan to prevent the severity of the droughts that hit Somaliland.
The president firmly said that we should not rely on Somalia when it comes to the aid sent through its authority.
He called on UN delegation to directly send the aid to Somaliland.
Speaking of the stalled talks between Somalia-Somaliland, president Silanyo said that they are committed to continuing the dialogue which is brokered by Turkey and in the presence of the international community.
He revealed that Somalia is reluctant to the resumption and continuation of the talks.
The president said that the Somalia authority included Somaliland when it comes to the 2016 elections which was seen as an act of aggression which he said was unacceptable.
Mr. Silanyo spoke about the postponement of Voter Registration exercise was due to the drought.
Mr. Peter de Clercq has praised SL efforts to tackle with humanitarian reilef to drought impacted families.
He said that this is the third time that he arrived in the country and will come back in attendance of drought meeting in Hargeisa.
