Nigeria-born United Nations Deputy Secretary-General concludes visit to Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia
By Cecilia Ologunagba
New York, Sept. 13, 2021
UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed has concluded a three-day visit to Kenya, Tanzania and Somalia.
Spokesman for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Stephane Dujarric said this at a press briefing on Monday at UN headquarters, New York.
“In her meetings in Somalia, which included with the President and Prime Minister, as well as women leaders, the Deputy Secretary-General highlighted how the forthcoming parliamentary elections can be an opportunity to build on the country’s progress in women’s political participation.
“She emphasised that women’s full inclusion in all sectors of society will contribute to greater resilience, peace and stability in the country.
“Mohammed also called on Somalia’s leadership to de-escalate tensions and avoid actions that could lead to violence and further delay the elections.
“She reiterated the support of the international community for timely, inclusive, peaceful and credible elections,’’ Dujarric said.
In Kenya and Tanzania, he said Mohammed met with the heads of state and ministers of foreign affairs to discuss issues ranging from peace and security, pandemic recovery, and development.
During her meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Mohammed thanked him for the partnership with UN in establishing a COVID-19 hospital and for being a site for UN medical evacuations from around the globe.
“The meeting covered a range of issues including regional peace and security with a focus on the cessation of hostilities in Ethiopia and Somalia (AMISOM transition), COVID-19 economic response and recovery.
“Also, on the need to address vaccine inequity, UN support for peaceful and credible elections, and the preparations for upcoming COP 26 with a focus on the importance of keeping the promises from the Paris Agreement.
In a stopover in Tanzania, the spokesman said the deputy secretary-general met with President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
“In line with the trip’s focus on women’s political participation, she noted the importance and leadership of the President as the only African executive woman head of state.
“Discussions covered the partnership between the UN and government on the 2030 Agenda, efforts to stimulate domestic investments and resource mobilisation for development and the prioritisation of women and young people.
“The impact of COVID-19 and the roll out of the national vaccination programme, regional peace and security issues with a focus on Mozambique, protection of rights and rule of law.
“Also, on treatment of refugees and migrants, and the President’s participation in the upcoming high-level week of the UN General Assembly and Secretary-General’s climate action roundtable,’’ he said.
