On 22 May 2018 UNPO, in coordination with Luxemburgish MEP Frank Engel, held a conference focussing on the 2017 Somaliland Presidential Election at the European Parliament in Brussels. Among discussions on the recent election, the topic of Somaliland’s de facto statehood and its challenges in engaging with the international community was also debated. The event was planned to present the international Electoral Observation Mission (EOM)’s Report, which was officially released in London in March 2018. Among the panellists were Somaliland’s Minister of Planning and National Development, Dr Michael Walls, Chief Observer of the 2017 EOM, Patrick Simonnet, Head of Division for the Horn of Africa at the European External Action Service (EEAS), as well as host MEP Frank Engel, joined by MEP James Carver. Also present on the panel was Amb. Mohamoud Daar, Somaliland Representative in Brussels, as well as two UNPO staff members who served as short-term observers to Somaliland’s elections, Tommaso Nodari and Fernando Burgés.

Expenses (airfares and accommodation etc) paid to Hargeisa, Somaliland to speak at Book Fair - largest cultural festival in the Horn of Africa. Topic: Somali elections/politics.

Chair of roundtable meeting on Somalia's future.

Interview for news bulletins on Somaliland local elections.

 

Chair, roundtable meeting with Puntland Electoral Commission Chair and others.

Chair for maximum two terms - 6 years. Now Council Member

Chair for seven years.

Invited keynote speaker at SORADI Conference in Hargeisa. Expenses paid to Hargeisa.

Chair of public meeting at Chatham House featuring Puntland President Faroole.