MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somalia, Ahmed Isse Awad, received on Wednesday, September 4 in the new representative UNHCR in Somalia, Garowe Online reports.

Johann Siffointe has presented his credentials to Awad at the ministry’s HQ in Mogadishu to assume the position after being nominated as the head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

During the meeting, the minister stressed the importance of continued cooperation between Somalia and the UNHCR to enhance the humanitarian operations in the long-chaotic Horn of Africa country.

Awad has pointed out to ensure the voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees from Kenya and Yemen and to try to create a better environment and higher standards of living for all Somalis at home.

He hinted at the need to match up efforts between all Somali officials and UNHCR to achieve the highest humanitarian priorities for the resettlement of returnees and provide them with the necessary support.

Siffointe’s arrival comes hours after the UN’s FAO said about 2.1 million people in Somalia face acute food insecurity through to December due to severe drought that has ravaged several parts of the country.

The United Nations (UN) has also warned that food security was expected to deteriorate in the absence of humanitarian assistance from October to December in this year due to the short rains.

GAROWE ONLINE