Baidoa, Somalia – In a heartfelt farewell gathering on Saturday, the President of Southwest State of Somalia, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, hosted Wafaa Alfadil, the outgoing Head of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Somalia, at the Presidential Palace in Baidoa.
The meeting marked the end of Alfadil’s tenure in Somalia and served as a tribute to the longstanding partnership between the regional government and UNICEF.
President Laftagareen expressed his deep appreciation for Alfadil’s commitment and the tangible impact of UNICEF’s work across the Southwest region, particularly in health, education, nutrition, and child protection.
“We thank Wafaa Alfadil for her dedication and valuable contributions that have significantly improved the lives of vulnerable children and families in our region. Her leadership has strengthened cooperation between UNICEF and the Southwest State,” said Laftagareen.
The President assured that the incoming UNICEF representative would receive the same level of support from his administration to continue advancing programs that benefit children and communities in need.
UNICEF has been a key partner in delivering humanitarian and development assistance in Somalia, especially in areas affected by conflict, displacement, and recurrent climate shocks. Alfadil’s leadership has been credited with enhancing coordination between international agencies and local authorities to maximize the reach and effectiveness of aid.
Alfadil, in her remarks, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the Southwest State and reaffirmed UNICEF’s continued commitment to Somalia’s children. She noted that while her time in the country is coming to a close, UNICEF’s mission remains as vital as ever.
The farewell event was attended by regional officials, UNICEF staff, and representatives from the humanitarian community.