Statement by representative of the Russian Federation Alexander Repkin at a UN Security Council briefing on Somalia
Mm. President,
We thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General James Swan for his detailed briefing about the developments in Somalia. We are also thankful to other briefers for the information they shared. We join the condolences expressed previously in this room with regard to the tragic death of Almas Elman.
Russia supports efforts of Mogadishu aimed at achieving domestic political, social and economic stability. We are committed to continue UNSC work in order to resolve the crisis in this country while preserving its unity and territorial integrity.
General election scheduled for 2020-21 will be very important for Somalian statehood. We welcome steps Somalian authorities take to prepare for this truly historic event. For the first time in 50 years, the country will convene popular election in accordance with principle “one person – one vote”. Somalia has established National Independent Electoral Commission that operates in a routine mode. With support of international partners, an Electoral Security Task Force has been created. Subsequent steps that we deem logical are adoption of a law on elections and corresponding constitutional amendments. We welcome Mogadishu’s commitment to observe the timeframe of these obligations that was reiterated at the Somalia Partnership Forum to have taken place early in October. We expect this to proceed according to the previously drafted scenario.
However, the situation in Somalia remains turbulent. The Federal Government encounters numerous challenges, including the need to restore state institutions, establish dialogue between the center and the regions, and dialogue among the regions as well. We call to set forth efforts in order to search for balance between all tribes.
We believe ultimatums that federal states put forward to Mogadishu, their lack of willingness to have constructive cooperation, conflicts between separate regions – all of this encourages centrifugal trends. This impedes nation-wide dialogue and hampers organizing collective work on relevant issues of Somalian domestic agenda.
We commend results that the Federal Government of Somalia achieved during reconciliation in Galmudug and the South West State. They should build on this success. We call to intensify efforts to “build bridges” with authorities of Jubaland and Puntland.
What causes greatest concern is intensified activity of “Al-Shabaab” that increases the number of victims both among civilians and the military from Somalian National Army and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), including foreign personnel. We believe AMISOM to be the key component of countering “Al-Shabaab”. We call upon the global community to continue taking coordinated steps to enhance capacity of the Somalian National Army and the AMISOM.
Surely, African peacekeepers cannot remain in Somalia forever. However, drawdown of the mission should proceed step-by-step –as the National Army gets ready to ensure safety and security of the state and its citizens.
Taking into account the uneasy humanitarian situation in Somalia, Russia continues to provide assistance to the country and Somalian refugees in adjacent states by means of making earmarked contributions to corresponding funds of the UN World Food Programme. We also plan to continue training Somalian civil personnel.
Mm. President,
In conclusion, let me stress that effective response to the aforementioned challenges can only be given if external stakeholders do not interfere in Somalia’s internal affairs and if sovereignty of this country is strictly observed.
Thank you.
