MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Daud Aweis Jama, has welcomed the United Nations Acting Special Representative for Somalia, Raisedon Zenenga, at his office in the capital city.
Discussions centered on Somalia’s advancements in security, political matters, national reconciliation, economic growth, and social service provision.
Minister Expresses Appreciation for UN Support
The minister conveyed gratitude to the United Nations for its sustained assistance, acknowledging the organization’s significant contribution to Somalia’s reconstruction and recovery initiatives.
In response, Mr. Zenenga praised the Somali government’s consistent progress and reiterated the United Nations’ dedication to supporting the nation’s state-building and development objectives.
Continued Engagement with UN Officials
The meeting with Minister Aweis follows similar high-level engagements between Somali officials and UN leadership. Earlier in April 2026, State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ali Mohamed Omar, held discussions with Mr. Zenenga and Ms. Lebogang Diteko, Senior Political Affairs Officer, on the UN Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) transition process. Those talks centered on strengthening coordination to ensure international assistance remains synchronized with Somalia’s national objectives.
UNTMIS succeeded the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) on November 1, 2024, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2753. The transition is a two-year process scheduled to conclude by October 31, 2026, when UNTMIS will end its operations.
UN Commendation for Security Progress
Minister Aweis has previously announced that the United Nations Security Council commended Somalia for its strides in assuming greater responsibility for national security. This progress is exemplified by Somali security forces taking over operational duties from thousands of ATMIS troops, who have been gradually drawn down since 2022.
Cultural Preservation and International Partnerships
The Information Minister has actively engaged with UN agencies beyond the political and security sphere. In April 2025, Minister Aweis welcomed Louise Haxthausen, the country representative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), to his office in Mogadishu. Their meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in cultural development, with a particular emphasis on safeguarding Somalia’s rich media heritage.
A key topic of discussion was the ambitious ongoing project to digitize and preserve over seventy years of historical audio archives from Radio Mogadishu—the national broadcaster that has played a central role in Somali media and public life for decades. This initiative is vital for historical preservation and for fostering national identity and cultural continuity for future generations.
Radio Mogadishu was first established in 1951 during the United Nations Trusteeship period, when Somalia was administered by Italy. The station has captured pivotal moments in Somalia’s political, cultural, and social history, making its archives an irreplaceable national treasure.
UNDP Cooperation on Media Development
The Ministry of Information has also strengthened its partnership with the UN Development Programme. Minister Aweis has met with Lionel Laurens, the UNDP Representative in Somalia, to discuss strengthening cooperation on development projects related to media capacity building, public awareness, peacebuilding, countering terrorism, and promoting Somali culture and tourism.
Commitment to State-Building and Development
The talks between Minister Aweis and Mr. Zenenga form part of ongoing engagement between Somalia’s federal government and the United Nations aimed at strengthening cooperation on key priorities related to stability and development.
The meeting underscored the strong partnership between Somalia and the United Nations, reflecting a shared commitment to Somali-led solutions that consolidate peace, strengthen institutions, and advance sustainable development.
The Federal Government has consistently emphasized that inclusive political dialogue, institutional stability, and continued international partnership remain central to its strategy for achieving lasting peace and development across the country.
