LAS ANOD— George Conway, the United Nations Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, arrived in Las Anod on Sunday for high-level discussions with authorities and local stakeholders in Somalia’s Northeastern administration.

During the visit, Conway is expected to meet senior officials of the Northeastern administration, community representatives and other local stakeholders. The discussions are expected to focus on the humanitarian situation, priority needs of affected communities and opportunities to strengthen coordination between the United Nations, humanitarian partners and local authorities.

The visit comes amid continuing humanitarian pressures across Somalia, including the impact of drought and declining levels of international humanitarian funding. Authorities in Las Anod are also expected to raise concerns related to the aftermath of the 2023 conflict in the Sool region, including the situation of hundreds of prisoners captured during fighting with Somaliland forces.

Conway is accompanied by a senior UN delegation, in what is regarded as one of the most high-level United Nations visits to Las Anod in recent years. The delegation is expected to assess conditions on the ground, engage directly with local officials and communities, and gather information that could inform the UN’s humanitarian and operational priorities in the area.

The visit takes place as the United Nations and other international organisations in Somalia face increasing financial constraints, with funding shortages leading to reductions in programmes, staffing and operations in parts of the country. The discussions in Las Anod are therefore expected to also address how limited resources can be directed towards the most urgent humanitarian needs and how cooperation with local institutions can be strengthened.