Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva at UNSC briefing on Somalia
Mr.President,
We thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General James Swan and Special Representative of the African Union and Head of AMISOM Francisco Madeira for their traditionally substantial briefings. We also followed the remarks delivered by Ms.Batulo, a civil society representative and a Goodwill Ambassador. We welcome the Permanent Representative of Somalia Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman at this meeting.
We closely studied the recent report of the Secretary-General on Somalia.
Since the previous discussion of this topic at the Security Council, Somalian political forces have made tangible progress on a number of issues relating to the general elections. A new electoral schedule has been adopted, and Senate elections have started.
In general, the political tension has eased thanks to the constructive position of the central authorities, i.a. President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed' refusal to extend his mandate for two years, and the decision to get back to the agreement between the federal center and the states regarding modalities of the electoral process dated 17 September 2020. We also commend the contribution of Prime Minister Roble to finding mutually acceptable solutions.
We call on all Somali political forces to continue engaging meaningfully to implement the agreements of 29 June 2021 in order to convene presidential and parliamentary elections soon, and build a resilient federative framework.
Besides, we welcome contacts between Somalia and Kenya. Like the Secretary-General, we do hope that it will lead to full restoration of friendly relations between these two states that are playing pivotal roles in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Mr. President,
Security situation in Somalia remains tense. “Al-Shabaab” keeps building up pressure on the federal authorities and AMISOM both in central Somalia and its regions. Militants overtly intimidate those who are going to take part in the elections. We call on the Somali Government and African peacekeepers to not step down fight against extremists. In this context, we flag the importance of the initiative articulated by the Federal Security and Justice Committee that should help put to life the “May Agreements”. The agreements address training of special police units by the Federal Government and AMISOM in order to have them ensure safety and security of polling stations.
We proceed from the understanding that the African peacekeeping mission remains the key element of Somalia’s security. We expect the African Union and Somalia’s Federal Government to elaborate mutually acceptable solutions as to configuration of the future mission and parameters of AMISOM transferring responsibility for the country’s security to Somali National Army. We are convinced that all decisions in this regard must be carefully calibrated, and security vacuum must be avoided.
Mr.President,
This month the Security Council is to renew the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). We believe that UNSOM needs to engage in Somalia’s state-building process in a constructive manner, on the basis of agreements made by the federal center and the regions. In our view, a corresponding resolution should send signals to all key Somali stakeholders and highlight the need to terminate the electoral process, boost state-building and combat extremist threat.
We call on the United Nations, international and regional partners to keep assisting Somalia given full respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of this state, and non-interference in its internal affairs.
Thank you.
