Security, elections and aid dominate Baidoa talks

The UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, visited Baidoa, the largest city in South West State, on Monday to discuss security, elections and humanitarian needs with state President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.

Talks covered security operations, including the recovery of Sabiid and Bariire in Lower Shabelle, as well as preparations for upcoming electoral processes. The discussions also addressed the state’s voter registration drive, which includes mobile initiatives aimed at women, youth, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and marginalised communities.

South West State hosts about 800,000 displaced people, with Baidoa alone accommodating some 650,000 IDPs. The officials reviewed the challenges of supporting displaced populations amid funding shortfalls for humanitarian aid. The UN envoy also emphasised the importance of political unity and inclusive dialogue among Somalia’s leaders, reaffirming the UN’s continued support for peace, state-building, security, and humanitarian assistance.