Statement by First Deputy Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy at the UN Security Council Briefing on Somalia
Mr. President,
We thank Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia Raisedon Zenenga, Assistant to the Secretary-General Ursula Mueller and Chair of the Commission of the African Union, Head of the AU Mission in Somalia Francisco Madeira for their briefings.
The situation in Somalia remains complicated. It is with concern that we have to register enhancement of activity of terrorist group “Al-Shabaab”. It continuous to control vast territories of the country. “Al-Shabaab” militants infiltrate cities. Judging by expert reports, the group managed to establish manufacturing of explosives.
“Al-Shabaab” also poses a regional threat. Terrorist attack committed in Nairobi in January is a dreadful reminder of that.
Somalia’s primary goal is to curb terrorist threat. What is most demanded is effective joint work of central authorities and federal states with support from the United Nations and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) aimed at building national security architecture. The priority task is to ensure gradual transfer of responsibility for the country’s security to the Somalians. We expect that this process will be in accordance with the existing plans and will account for current developments “on the ground”.
AMISOM consistently plays a key role in countering threats to security. Its reconfiguration should be proceeding hand-in-hand with the emergence of Somalian military and law enforcement establishments. AMISOM will actively engage in preparing for and convening of general elections scheduled for 2021-2022. In anticipation of these crucial events, it would be unwise to cut the number of AU peacekeepers in Somalia.
Apart from constraints, we have also noticed encouraging trends in Somalia. We underscore the efforts of Mogadishu to “build bridges” with federal states. There is progress regarding constitutional reform. Positive dynamics prevails in developing legislative framework for the upcoming electoral cycle. Sanation of financial and economic sectors proceeds rather effectively.
Mr. President,
The Horn of Africa is living through tremendous changes. We believe steps that aim to restore good neighborly relations, made by all countries, including Somalia, will lead to stability and prosperity.
However, we would like to warn that this goal can only be achieved when Somalia’s sovereignty is strictly observed, and external stakeholders keep from interfering in Somalia’s domestic affairs. We expect that these are the principles the new Special Representative for Somalia will be guided by in his work. In this regard, we welcome commitment of Somalian authorities to continue fruitful cooperation with the UN presence.
Thank you.
