YouSaid · the spoken record

Agyeman

lines on the record: 1,567
first: 2022-01-05
most recent: 2023-12-29
sittings or episodes: 204
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“As we consider the resolution we have just adopted, it is important that we do so with sobriety, not only for this generation, but also for those whose blood and trust speak to us from the restless graves of those who died in the two World Wars. As a condition for becoming a Member of the United Nations, we all declared that we would fulfil our obligations under the Charter of the United Nations in averment of our peace-loving nature. Today, the peace we say we love is threatened. Ghana therefore calls on all Member States to participate in the emergency special session of the General Assembly in a constructive manner and to unite around the call for peace to stop this unjustified war that has already caused the needless loss of many lives.”
2022-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8980 (2022) · source
“Let me begin by acknowledging the dangerous moments in which we live and noting the necessity for diplomacy to triumph over war. I therefore urge that, even at this difficult moment, and as diplomatic representatives of our States, we maintain the commitment of our States to dialogue and the objectives of peace. Last Friday, because of the exercise of the veto (see S/PV.8979), the Council was unable to assume its primary responsibility to act on a threat to international peace and security following the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine. It is time for the General Assembly to assume its residual responsibility and to pronounce itself on the matter. It is for that reason that Ghana voted in favour of resolution 2623 (2022), just adopted.”
2022-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8980 (2022) · source
“The already difficult situation of economic stagnation triggered by the coronavirus disease pandemic is beginning to worsen. The consequences of those adverse developments are that the fragility of most of our countries will deepen, creating further risks to global stability. The actions that have been taken against Ukraine are therefore far-reaching and require even greater solidarity — above all for the people of Ukraine, who bear the direct and immediate impact of an unjustified action that violates the Charter and the principles of international law, and in addition for the many countries, especially developing countries, whose populations are facing severe austerity. Will we find the wisdom and common purpose to overcome the difficult moment we face? I raise the call for peace. Let us give peace yet a chance.”
2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8979 (2022) · source
“Before concluding, let me indicate Ghana’s continuing concern about the situation of the civilian populations in all parts of the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine, as well as the welfare of the more than 1,000 Ghanaian students and several nationals in that country. We recall that in accordance with international humanitarian law, there are consequences for unlawful actions against civilian populations. Also, as the Secretary-General rightly said in his press engagement on Wednesday night, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia will come at great cost to most of our countries. Already, the price of oil has surpassed $100. Inflation in most of our countries has begun to rise. Investment decisions are being pulled back.”
2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8979 (2022) · source
“At a time when the world looks to the Council to send a strong message that threats and use of force against other States are unacceptable, we have been unable to do so — not because there is no broad agreement to do so but because the way and manner in which the Security Council has been structured to function has constrained us. The present situation creates difficult choices that we all must consider and carefully reflect upon as we proceed with the long-standing efforts to reform the Security Council and how it operates. Fortunately, the ongoing process in the General Assembly provides an opportunity. All Member States must genuinely commit to that process. If we fail to act proactively, our inaction will cost us permanently.”
2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8979 (2022) · source
“Ghana is deeply disappointed by the actions of the Russian Federation, a permanent member of the Security Council. Its actions have fallen short of the highest standards expected of those States that are considered to be the enduring guardians of international peace and security. Indeed, for those members of the Council with a special privilege, there is also a special responsibility. I reiterate Ghana’s full support for the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, in accordance with the Charter.”
2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8979 (2022) · source
“When concerns about the massive build-up were raised, the Russian Federation informed the world that its troops were on its side of the borders and had no intention of crossing the frontiers of Ukraine. At one point we were also informed that the possibility of sending troops to the Donbas region of Ukraine in the context of peacekeeping was under consideration. Today the whole world knows better. As we met in an emergency session on Wednesday night (see S/PV.8974) to afford yet another opportunity for peace, the trust and good faith crucial for diplomatic engagement was broken in a cruel and dismissive manner. The battle against Kyiv may yet be won, but the good will of the world has been lost. The use of force as a basis for securing international agreement has no place in our modern international order and the world cannot accept this.”
2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8979 (2022) · source
“We are pained by the unnecessary and rising number of deaths that have been occasioned by the invasion and we call on the Russian Federation to immediately withdraw its forces from Ukraine and to recommit to dialogue and diplomacy. Besides our own assessment that Ukraine presented no immediate threat to the Russian Federation, the letter is also interpreted in the context of Russia’s own public declarations about the cost of the past days, which have shown to the world that rather than a security merit, this has been about Russia using force against its weaker neighbour because it could. At the beginning of its military build-up on the borders of Ukraine, we were told that what was being observed was a normal military exercise.”
2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8979 (2022) · source
“By not refraining from the use of force in its relations with Ukraine, the Russian Federation has chosen to violate without justification the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, even as several world leaders have appealed for dialogue to find a peaceful settlement to the situation. The Russian Federation’s actions, which have assailed the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, have threatened the global order and the balance of peace and security. We have also taken note of the letter from the Russian Federation submitted to the Security Council, which seeks to indicate that its use of force against Ukraine was in self-defence while dismissing its all-out military action against Ukraine.”
2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8979 (2022) · source
“Ghana voted in favour of draft resolution S/2022/155, on the situation in Ukraine, which was not adopted, because — as a member of the Security Council — that is the minimum duty that we owe to the Charter of the United Nations, the peoples of the world and in particular the Government and people of Ukraine. We join 10 other members of the Council in seeking to deplore in the strongest terms the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine because that act breaches Russia’s obligation as a member of the United Nations and its obligation to respect the provisions of Article 2, paragraph 4 of the Charter.”
2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8979 (2022) · source
“As called for by the Preamble of the Charter of the United Nations, we remind all parties to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours, Finally, we take this opportunity to urge all Member States to exercise restraint with regard to the respective unsettled but accepted situations across the globe and to uphold the collective security mechanism established through the Charter of the United Nations. Any differences that exist in international relations must be adjusted by peaceful and legal means.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source
“We condemn any military activity that would deliberately target civilians and civilian infrastructure and remind all parties of their personal responsibility that exists in international law. It may be begging the question but, nonetheless, worth repeating: Ghana unreservedly stands by the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, a bona fide Member of the United Nations, whose membership of the Organization provides for its guarantees over its internationally recognized borders — the same borders with which it joined the Organization. We are aware that the current developments in the eastern regions of Ukraine would not lead to a strategic gain for any party, and we encourage efforts to address both immediate and long-term interests through diplomacy and dialogue.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source
“By its nature, peacekeeping requires the consent of the parties and the impartiality of the peacekeeping force. The presence of the Russian troops in eastern Ukraine at this time would not fulfil those requirements. If there is a real need, the Security Council should be seized of the matter. We urge calm and call upon all parties to maintain the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine. We are particularly concerned by the high intensity of violations of the ceasefire in recent days and their consequences for the civilian populations in the Donbas region. We remind all parties of the need to respect international law and international humanitarian law and urge the parties to guarantee unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance in both Government- and non-Government- controlled areas.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source
“We urge that that avowed commitment to diplomacy to which the Russian Federation alluded be backed by present actions that de-escalate the situation on the ground and permit an atmosphere for dialogue. We note with concern the risk that an escalation of the situation in Ukraine holds for global peace, and we stress that those that choose the path of conflict rather than peace bear the consequences of their actions. We are concerned by reports of the commencement of hybrid warfare against Ukraine, especially attempts of cyberattacks against some of its critical infrastructure. To de-escalate the situation, we urge the Russian Federation to reconsider any intentions to move troops into the eastern regions of Ukraine in response to the purported request by the leaders of the separatist regions for an intervention.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source
“As we indicated in our statement to the Security Council on Monday night (see S/PV.8970), Ghana deeply regrets the decision of the Russian Federation to naturally recognize the non-Government-controlled regions of Ukraine and to send troops into those regions. We are also deeply concerned by the implications of those decisions. We suggest that the Russian Federation has turned its back on the Minsk agreements and the path of dialogue required to address any concerns that we have over the implementation of the agreements and related security concerns. However, we read a report this morning — the statement attributed to the President of the Russian Federation — that his country was always open to diplomacy.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source
“Let me begin by first of all thanking the Secretary-General and Under-Secretary- General DiCarlo for their significant briefings. Ghana is grateful to the Secretary-General for his clear statements on the situation in Ukraine in defence of the Charter of the United Nations, the rules- based international order and our collective security mechanism. The developments that are taking place in Ukraine are indeed troubling. The situation has implications not only for Ukraine and its immediate neighbours but also for all our countries. Security is indivisible and the insecurity of one is the insecurity of all.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source
“We urge the reversal of escalatory actions and invite the Secretary-General to renew his good offices with regard to the situation in the eastern regions of Ukraine, in close coordination with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and all other relevant partners.”
2022-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8970 (2022) · source
“Even though on many occasions it may be enough to say that we are against the actions of a Member State that go against the international norms, on this occasion we are all required to do more in reaffirming our common commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter. Besides the immediate cost of instability, all countries, including the most vulnerable in the developing world, may pay a steep price for actions that destabilize a part of Europe. As we note with great concern the reports of foreign troops being sent across the borders of Ukraine, we reiterate our continuing concern about the situation of the civilian populations in Donetsk and Luhansk. We urge all parties to strictly comply with the tenets of international law. We may be at the precipice, but we have not fallen over it. The path of dialogue and diplomacy remains.”
2022-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8970 (2022) · source
“The true test of greatness lies not in one’s ability to use power but in the capacity to constrain its use when that would be an obvious choice by those of a lesser capacity. We hope that within the Security Council, and perhaps outside it too, we will find a resolution of the existing situation in Ukraine in a manner that does not impair the mechanisms for peace. While Ghana and other African Member States have always held that the use of the veto power is anachronistic and counterproductive to the effective workings of our modern arrangements for maintaining global peace and security, that concern has never been rendered more acute than in situations such as the one that we now see.”
2022-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8970 (2022) · source
“By its principles, Ghana does not recognize any entity outside the clear arrangements that have been established by the Charter and the principles of international law for the recognition of States. As an international community, we have pulled back from many dangerous scenarios when logic and reason have prevailed. On this occasion, we re-echo the voice of the coalition of peace for restraint by all parties. While the sound of war may be loud, the voice of peace runs deeper. We urge restraint on all unsettled but accepted situations across the globe and remind Member States of the need to protect the collective security mechanism, which requires adherence to the core principles of the Charter and international law.”
2022-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8970 (2022) · source
“By its sheer convening power, this Organization has set out a pathway for dialogue for all its Members, regardless of differences in political ideology, and encouraged the development and maintenance of friendly relations. Through the actions of this Organization, the rights of people across the world have become more respected by their Governments and their well-being has been better guaranteed. I will be clear: Ghana supports the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine, which joined the United Nations as a bona fide Member. We do not support any actions that violate Ukraine’s sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity.”
2022-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8970 (2022) · source
“We believe that the United Nations represents the best attempt at maintaining peace across nations, forging relations and cooperation between and among our peoples and holding forth the prospect of a better tomorrow. It is for that reason that Ghana, like many other Members of the Organization, solemnly committed itself to upholding the Charter of the United Nations and international law. We believe that, through multilateralism, we can improve cooperation to make the world a better place for its citizens and for generations unborn. Through this Organization and our common actions on principles such as self-determination within the context of the United Nations, the countries that existed under colonial rule were assisted in becoming sovereign and politically independent States.”
2022-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8970 (2022) · source
“I will also begin by first of all thanking Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing to the Security Council. The decision by the Russian Federation to recognize the non-Government-controlled regions of eastern Ukraine and to send in troops has stunned the world. Ghana deeply regrets the decision of the Russian Federation to turn its back on the Minsk agreements and the dialogue required to address concerns over the implementation of the agreements. When Ghana joined this Organization, in 1957, we were under no illusions that the international order was perfect. However, we were, and are still, convinced that the principle of the sovereign equality of States, which constitutes the basis of this Organization and our multilateral order, is the very type of foundation for a stable world.”
2022-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8970 (2022) · source
“We urge the parties to work in good faith and with flexibility to make the necessary concessions for an enduring peace in Ukraine, with beneficial outcomes for the rest of Europe and, indeed, the world.”
2022-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8968 (2022) · source
“As the saying goes, how can two go on a journey unless they be agreed on the path they intend to take? Fifthly, we urge the parties to guarantee unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance in both Government- controlled and non-Government-controlled areas, in line with humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law. We further commend the efforts of humanitarian agencies in Ukraine and welcome the 2022 humanitarian response plan to save lives, ensure access to basic services and strengthen the protection of those affected by the conflict and the coronavirus disease. Finally, let me conclude by stressing Ghana’s support for the renewal of the spirit of the Minsk agreements.”
2022-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8968 (2022) · source
“Thirdly, we welcome the high-level diplomatic engagements to address existing concerns over the situation in Ukraine, including recent discussions among the leaders of the Normandy Four, which reaffirmed the ceasefire in the eastern region of Ukraine, as well as the OSCE-facilitated dialogues at different levels. We continue to urge restraint on the part of all sides, calling on the parties to bear in mind the prospective outcomes of ongoing escalation that do not lead to any strategic gain for any party, and encouraging efforts to address both immediate and long-term interests through diplomacy and dialogue. Fourthly, we urge renewed dialogue within the Normandy Four process to resolve differences in the interpretation of the sequencing of the package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements.”
2022-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8968 (2022) · source
“We therefore entreat all parties to maintain the path of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing any differences that exist between and among them. Towards the further implementation of peaceful measures for resolving the crisis in the eastern regions of Ukraine, we wish to make the following points. First, Ghana reaffirms its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, a bona fide State Member of the United Nations, whose membership of the Organization provides guarantees over its internationally recognized borders. Secondly, we note the security concerns of other Member States in Europe, especially those in Eastern Europe, and urge restraint by all in maintaining the pacific order in Europe, even as efforts continue to address any concerns with the contemporary European security architecture.”
2022-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8968 (2022) · source
“While recognizing the complex fears and complicated concerns that have been expressed by the parties through the Minsk agreements, we nonetheless believe that good faith, in conformity with existing obligations under the Charter of the United Nations, by concerned Member States should provide clarity to seize the opportunities for supporting continuing dialogue and the engagements required to address the concerns of all parties. In that respect, Ghana is concerned by the increasing tensions along the borders of Ukraine. We recall, in that regard, the provisions of the Charter that establish the fundamental norms of the post-1945 international order and require that international relations among Member States not involve threats of or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of other States.”
2022-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8968 (2022) · source
“Unfortunately, the Minsk agreements remain largely unimplemented and the conflict continues to fester in parts of the Donbas region, with increasing civilian casualties and deepening vulnerabilities, mostly among elderly persons and women-led households. More than 14,000 deaths have been recorded since the conflict in eastern Ukraine began. Several thousands of people have been displaced and 2.9 million people are presently in need of humanitarian assistance. The implications of the situation in Ukraine for regional, as well as international, peace and security have also been dire.”
2022-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8968 (2022) · source
“In welcoming today’s discussions, which enable the Council to take stock of the package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements, adopted on 12 February 2015, my delegation recalls the adoption of resolution 2202 (2015), wherein the Security Council expressed its firm conviction that the crisis in the eastern regions of Ukraine could be settled only through peaceful means. Seven years after the adoption of resolution 2202 (2015), the Council’s obligation to the maintenance of international peace and security requires it to reiterate its conviction and support for the processes for the further implementation of the Minsk agreements.”
2022-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8968 (2022) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing on the prevailing situation in eastern Ukraine as it relates to the implementation of the Minsk agreements. I also thank Mr. Mikko Kinnunen, Special Representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Chairperson-in- Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group, and Mr. Yaşar Halit Çevik, Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, for highlighting the efforts of the OSCE in facilitating the political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine. We have also taken note of the views expressed by Ms. Tetiana Montian, civil society representative from Ukraine. I further welcome the participation of the representatives of Germany and Ukraine in this meeting.”
2022-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8968 (2022) · source
“Collaboration with the African Union in that regard has led to the development of a few initiatives, including the United Nations-African Union Joint Task Force on Peace and Security and the Joint United Nations-African Union Framework for an Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security. In that respect, and while taking note of the deployment of the CSTO force to Kazakhstan early this year, we believe that closer collaboration on any future deployment would enhance the Security Council’s accountability over actions for regional peace and security. Let me conclude by once again drawing attention to the many untapped opportunities that exist in enhancing the implementation of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. Our effectiveness as a Council lies in deepening such cooperation.”
2022-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8967 (2022) · source
“Secondly, the wealth of experience of the United Nations in preventive diplomacy should be enhanced in its engagement with the CSTO, particularly through the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy. The two organizations can work even more closely together in identifying the root causes of conflicts in the Eurasia region and develop shared solutions within the context of sustaining peace with programmes that prevent the outbreak, escalation, continuation and recurrence of conflict. Thirdly, the CSTO has established a clear interest in developing its capacity. The further processes of that development would require close engagement with the United Nations and in a manner that ensures the incorporation of the harmonized arrangements that exist within that context with other regional arrangements, such as the African Union.”
2022-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8967 (2022) · source
“We also see opportunities for increasing the role of academia, research institutions and women and youth in preventive diplomacy and peacebuilding through coordinated partnerships with regional organizations or arrangements. Within the context of the CSTO, and in an effort to identify opportunities for strengthening security in the Eurasian region, I would want to share three brief points. First, we note the Joint Declaration by the United Nations and the CSTO of 18 March 2010 and encourage further regular consultations between the two organizations to help bridge conceptual differences in the understanding of the security challenges of the Eurasian region and to improve the harmonized responses required in addressing such challenges. More, not fewer, consultations within a structured format are therefore required.”
2022-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8967 (2022) · source
“In that context, I recall Ghana’s working paper placed before the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations, entitled “Strengthening the Relationship and Cooperation between the United Nations and Regional Organizations or Arrangements in the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes”, aimed at addressing apparent gaps or shortcomings at the level of cooperation and working relationships between the United Nations and regional arrangements in the context of the peaceful settlement of disputes. It is my delegation’s view that enhanced cooperation should be based on clearly defined arrangements with mechanisms for periodic monitoring and evaluation.”
2022-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8967 (2022) · source
“Indeed, recent historical and contemporary experiences have underscored the imperative of promoting better coordination and cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations for ensuring security and the enjoyment of the dividends of peace. In welcoming the cooperation between the United Nations and the CSTO, Ghana believes that debates such as this can help identify the opportunities for cooperation and the challenges that militate against enhanced collaboration.”
2022-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8967 (2022) · source
“However, the founders of our Organization also recognized that, beyond the work done by the Council, the General Assembly and the Secretary-General, the peace crafted within the walls of the United Nations must be kept by the States whose existence are intertwined with the destinies of the regions within which they are located. The Charter of the United Nations is therefore prescient in envisaging an Organization that works with regional arrangements or agencies to prevent, manage and resolve crises. Regional arrangements as provided for under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations are, in that regard, a veritable but often under-utilized opportunity for establishing peace across the world.”
2022-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8967 (2022) · source
“I welcome your presence, Sir, at today’s debate. I also welcome the presence of our Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, as well as the Secretary-General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), and note with appreciation the insightful remarks respectively made. I further welcome the representatives of the five Member States participating in this meeting under rule 37. Without dispute, the Security Council is the foremost body designed by the architects of the present order for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2022-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8967 (2022) · source
“We acknowledge and commend the work of all peacekeepers, security personnel and the personnel of the United Nations, the African Union and regional community and civil society organizations that are working in Somalia for their sacrifice and commitment to ensuring that the country will be able to stand on its feet and take charge of its own development aspirations. In conclusion, the A3 members reaffirm our respect for and commitment to the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Somalia, and urge the Council and other relevant partners to continue to take that into consideration, as we work towards bringing lasting peace and stability to Somalia. We encourage the Federal Government of Somalia to enhance its leadership role with regard to the transition plan to guide all relevant partnership support.”
2022-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8965 (2022) · source
“While commending the Council for its proactive approach to addressing humanitarian issues in Somalia, we wish to highlight the dire humanitarian situation in the country as a result of drought-induced destitution and natural disasters, especially in the southern, central and north-eastern parts of Somalia. We call on national and international humanitarian development organizations to scale up their efforts in those areas. We reiterate our call for increased humanitarian assistance to Somalia, which is urgently needed to assist the increasing number of civilians in need, address the rise in food insecurity, alleviate drought-induced displacement and save lives and livelihoods.”
2022-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8965 (2022) · source
“As we anticipate the adoption of a modified mandate for the mission in Somalia at the end of March, we encourage the ongoing discussions on the future of AMISOM and look forward to the submission of clear outcome documents to the Council by 7 March, covering the areas of the concept of operations, the strategic plan and the logistics support plan. We note the ongoing discussions on the potential and global funding for the transition mission in Somalia and encourage predictable and sustainable funding, including from the United Nations assessed contributions.”
2022-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8965 (2022) · source
“The Council should show a willingness to differentiate national stabilization tools from those intended to limit the threat posed by international terrorism. Al-Shabaab’s use of foreign fighters, its cells in foreign countries, its affiliation with Al-Qaida and its transnational aims should be distinguished from its criminal and political dimensions in Somalia. The Council’s ability to do so may give some members of the group greater incentive to distance themselves from its international aims and operations.”
2022-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8965 (2022) · source
“We therefore call on the Security Council, as well as all international partners, to assist both the Somali Federal Government forces and AMISOM to improve their operational capabilities, which is essential to Somalia’s stabilization and peacebuilding efforts and critical to defeating and dismantling Al-Shabaab, its affiliates and other terrorist networks that continue to control large swaths of territory in Somalia, with several funding streams. Like other terrorist groups operating in the Sahel and Western and Southern Africa, Al-Shabaab has a transnational character. It is key that more efforts be undertaken to limit its ability to strike regional and international targets and to carry out operations outside Somalia.”
2022-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8965 (2022) · source
“While commending the Somali National Army and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for the progress made in their fight against Al-Shabaab and other armed groups and in providing much-needed security for the elections and other stabilization efforts, we are deeply concerned about Al-Shabaab’s continuing ability to attack and pursue a negative political agenda against the Federal Government of Somalia and its interests, including the electoral process.”
2022-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8965 (2022) · source
“We urge all political actors and leaders in Somalia to show true leadership and patriotism by putting the country’s interests first, to de-escalate rising political tensions and to refrain from provocation or use of force that could undermine peace and stability in the country. The path of the constitutional framework must be maintained, and the actions of the Federal Government of Somalia must focus on its timely implementation.”
2022-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8965 (2022) · source
“We note the successful conclusion of the elections that took place for the 54-member Upper House of the Federal Parliament in November 2021. We also note the lack of achievement with regard to women’s representation, as well as the elections for the members of the 275-member lower house, which continues to have a considerable number of outstanding seats. We also welcome the decisions of the National Consultative Council conference, held in Mogadishu in early January, and encourage the steadfast commitment of all stakeholders to ensuring that the lower-house elections are held by 25 February, in accordance with the agreed timelines. The exceedingly long electoral process is detrimental to efforts to consolidate peace and rebuild the economy.”
2022-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8965 (2022) · source
“I have the honour to make this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council (A3), namely, Gabon, Ghana and Kenya. First of all, we would like to begin by thanking Special Representative of the Secretary-General James Swan; Ambassador Francisco Caetano José Madeira, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia; and Ambassador Olof Skoog, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, for their respective briefings. We also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Somalia, Ambassador Abukar Osman, in this meeting. We thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2022/101) and welcome the progress made by the Federal Government and all stakeholders in Somalia on the agreed priorities of the Somalia transition plan.”
2022-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8965 (2022) · source
“We therefore urge renewed responses to address the financial challenges, including through debt cancellation and the restructuring of debt repayment, to enable them build back better and adequately tackle the security challenges in their countries. While the points I have raised, may be more specific to the African context, most of them also resonate globally. We therefore look forward to deepening such discussions to help abate the incidence of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, wherever it occurs and by whomsoever.”
2022-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8963 (2022) · source
“This area is important because violent extremist groups exploit those long-standing vulnerabilities, especially in areas where the State is either absent, resented or too weak to shoulder its responsibilities. Platforms for sharing knowledge and experience in this area should therefore be encouraged. Lastly, the COVID-19 pandemic has further degraded the capacity of many developing countries to address the growing demands of their populations as limited fiscal resources have had to be reallocated to respond to the pandemic and to recovery efforts. This situation, which several developing countries face, has worsened their security vulnerabilities.”
2022-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8963 (2022) · source
“Fourthly, action to cut off terrorism financing must be sustained and enhanced, including in the digital economy, where cryptocurrencies have become a medium of choice for financing terrorist activities. We therefore welcome the call for greater attention to be paid to the growing concern of the link between terrorists on land and pirates at sea, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea, to dry up sources of funding and check any expansion of their operations. Fifthly, dedicating greater attention and investment to addressing the root causes of terrorism, particularly governance and development deficits and the socioeconomic conditions of the people, is one of the sustainable ways of dealing with the canker.”
2022-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8963 (2022) · source