Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva at UNSC briefing on Somalia
Mme.President,
We welcome President of the Federative Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the statement that he delivered at this crucial stage of Somalia’s history.
We thank SRSG Catriona Laing and Head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) Mohammed El-Amine Souef for their insights. We also thank Executive Director of the World Food Programme Cindy McCain for the briefing.
Russia fully supports Somalia’s efforts in countering extremism, ensuring a state-building process and national reconciliation. Some positive momentum at these tracks has emerged in recent months. The National Consultative Council now convenes on a regular basis. Last year the federal center and leaders of Somali states were able to agree on the division of power authorities. Since the beginning of this year, they have come to an understanding regarding the federal fiscal policy, future electoral model, and constitutional review process. Enhancement of national security forces is underway. We count on the participants of the Somali political process, including the leadership of Puntland and Somaliland, to continue working together to elaborate a sustainable federative model for the country. At the same time, we invariably proceed from the need to safeguard the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Somalia.
We must state that the humanitarian situation throughout the country remains fragile. Even though hunger was prevented, the number of people in need remains very high.
Security situation raises much concern too. Extremist group Al-Shabaab retains a lot of influence in Somalia, organizes regular raids both in the capital and at the periphery, keeps shelling at the Mogadishu International Airport. According to Secretary-General’s report, the number of terrorist attacks with the use of IEDs in the first quarter of 2023 exceeded the statistic of previous years. We strongly condemn all terrorist attacks and pay tribute to African peacekeepers and Somali National Army, including those who sacrificed their lives in line of duty. We extend condolences to Uganda with regard to the deadly attack by Al-Shabaab on ATMIS forward base in Lower Shabelle region on 26 May.
At the same time, we note that offensives by the Somali National Army pushed back extremists in Galmudug and Hirshabelle. Federal authorities also facilitated settlement in the South-West State. We welcome the launch of a regional initiative by Somalia’s border nations to oppose Al-Shabaab.
Another “sore spot” is the situation in Las Anod that has evolved in recent months. We welcome the mediator efforts of the federal government, clan elders, and Ethiopia aimed at resolving this armed conflict. We proceed from the assumption that resolution 2592 mandates UNSOM to coordinate and support efforts for reconciliation among the clans. We do hope that this conflict situation will soon be resolved.
ATMIS remains a key factor that deters extremist and other illicit activities in Somalia. We think it is important, whenever we make decisions regarding this AU peacekeeping mission, to proceed from the actual situation with security and account for the priorities of Somalia’s federal government, as well as other states of the region.
We believe that drawdown of the contingent must follow the plan adopted by the AU Peace and Security Council and the Somali federal government. Also, this should happen when Somalia’s armed forces are able and ready to ensure security of the state and its people by their own forces.
We commend the activities of the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), which provides considerable technical and logistical support to ATMIS, UNSOM, and the Somali National Army.
Today we should focus on consolidating efforts of the international community and mainstreaming them towards increasing efficiency of federal enforcement bodies in Somalia, so by the moment ATMIS withdraws, the national authorities can assume full responsibility for maintaining security across the country.
We call to be guided exactly by these considerations as we approach renewal of ATMIS and UNSOS mandates that is pending at the end of the month.
Thank you.
