UN official visits Las Anod to discuss humanitarian needs

George Conway, the United Nations Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, has arrived in Las Anod for high-level discussions with authorities and local stakeholders in Somalia’s North Eastern State. The visit, which includes a senior UN delegation, aims to address the humanitarian situation and strengthen coordination between the UN, humanitarian partners, and local authorities.

Discussions are expected to focus on the priority needs of affected communities, the expansion of development programs, and the challenges posed by declining international humanitarian funding and drought. Local leaders, including North Eastern State leader Abdulkadir Aw-Ali Firdhiye, are expected to advocate for increased investment in basic services, infrastructure, healthcare, and education to rebuild institutions following years of conflict.

Authorities in Las Anod are also expected to raise concerns regarding the aftermath of the 2023 conflict in the Sool region, specifically the status of hundreds of prisoners captured during fighting with Somaliland forces. The visit comes as the region seeks to address perceived marginalization from major humanitarian and public investment programs compared to other parts of Somalia.