YouSaid · the spoken record

Kay

lines on the record: 133
first: 2013-09-12
most recent: 2015-11-09
sittings or episodes: 8
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

“The most fitting tribute we can pay to them is to redouble our work for peace. I salute and thank the whole United Nations family in Somalia for its service, comradeship and courage.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“International partners need to stay the course, be united and respect Somali ownership, but be crystal-clear on their expectation that Somalis need to agree the rules for the 2016 electoral process and then stick to them. My final words are ones of thanks, not only to the Security Council and the Secretary-General for giving me the honour to serve in Somalia, and to my team, who work tirelessly in austere and dangerous conditions, but also to the President, the Prime Minister and the people of Somalia for their hospitality and patience. I thank the African Union for its constant partnership, and I welcome the new Special Representative ofthe Chair of the African Union, Ambassador Madeira. My final thoughts are with the family and friends of the seven United Nations colleagues murdered in the line of duty in Somalia since 2013.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“The vast majority continue to suffer abject poverty, displacement, insecurity and predatory corruption, with little rule of law or respect for human rights. Somali resilience is legendary, but even the most resilient may buckle in the end. In all conscience, Somalia's leaders and international partners need to do more rather than less. Delivering humanitarian and development progress in the short term, especially given the impact of the El Nifio effect, will be hard. OCHA is working flat- out to ensure the right response. The year 2016 will be one of heightened political tension - a bumpy, adrenaline-fuelled ride. Al-Shabaab will do everything it can to disrupt federalism and the electoral process. Somalia's leaders need to reconcile competing demands and strive to place national interests above personal or community interests.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“Collectively we need absolutely to do more and better on three things: undertaking local community recovery and development in areas recovered from Al-Shabaab; supporting economic recovery nationwide to help the seven out of every 10 Somalis under the age of 35 to find jobs; and putting in place a more comprehensive approach to Al-Shabaab to engage those who truly wish to join a Somali-led political State-building project. Those are the future actions that will lock in the political and security success to date. The Council's decision today to establish an enhanced United Nations support office is vital for the next phase. While rightly looking back and forward, we should be somberly realistic about the present. The plight of millions of Somalis is a calamity and an indictment.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“Finally, there is the unity and willingness of the Security Council to innovate and to trust, for which I thank members. While thanking partners and the Council for what they have done, it may not be surprising to members ifI also ask for more. Somalia has to compete for attention and resources in an ever more troubled world. But scaling back now will crush the hopes of millions of Somalis, endanger peace and security in the Horn of Africa and East Africa, bolster violent extremism globally and risk a renewed exodus of refugees. Reducing effort should not be an option.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“Social and economic progress so far is a drop in the ocean, but it is progress. Why are things progressing and what should we learn? This is not the moment for detailed analysis, but let me highlight five key elements in Somalia's success. First and foremost is the common agreement to put political State-building at the heart of everything, Somali-owned and Somali-led. Secondly, creative approaches and partnerships have been key, not only as enshrined in the New Deal Compact, but also in the unique parnership among the UnitedNations, the African Union, the European Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. The third factor is the courage and commitment ofthe African Union forces in AMISOM. And the fourth element is a truly integrated United Nations that is delivering as one.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“In 2014, early warning by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) led to early action, and Somalia avoided repeating the devastating famine of 2011. In 2015, for the first time in a quarter of a century, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) began a programme to assist thousands of refugees to return voluntarily to Somalia. Last month, two years after polio erupted again in Somalia, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Somalia polio-free. In 2014, Somalia exported a record number of livestock; it is no coincidence that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations vaccinated a record number of animals the same year. Schools across Somalia are reopening, and teachers are being trained and paid through a UNICEF-backed programme. Enormous challenges remain.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“Increasingly, Somalis see Government closer to them, more able to deliver for the people and be held to account by them. There is still a long way to go in terms of service delivery, the rule of law and inclusive politics. But I shall never tire of saying that, at last, Somalia is facing the problems of a country coming together rather than falling apart. I believe we should recognize some other significant achievements; each is a collective achievement by Somalis and the international community. It is now more than three years since pirates seized a major commercial ship off the coast of Somalia. The United Nations Development Programme has helped State institutions to start delivering a range of services and, with the World Bank, is establishing a professional civil service.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“We should never forget that political progress has been made possible only by the sacrifices of the Somali National Army and the forces of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). The Somali National Army faces huge challenges and needs to improve its capabilities and its organization, but the Council's support for it and for AMISOM. has been vital. Since 2013, 14 districts, including strategically important ports, have been recovered from A1-Shabaab. Today, there is intense interchange between Mogadishu and the regions on political, economic and technical issues. Almost daily, we help Somali delegations fly across that largely roadless country the size of France. In each of the emerging Federal member states, there is a Government, an assembly and an agreed charter.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“When the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia started in 2013, the Federal Government was corralled in Mogadishu. Across the rest of the country was a patchwork of different local power-holding arrangements, with no tangible link to Mogadishu, little in the way of governance institutions, and with many entire districts under the control of Al-Shabaab. Today a new Somalia with a new political map is emerging. Three new federal member states will shortly join Puntland as foundation stones of the new Federal Somalia. The fifth will be formed from Hiraan and Shabelle Dhexe and, while recognizing important recent progress, I urge swift conclusion of that process. I also urge continued progress on the national consultations leading to an electoral process in 2016 that will be conducted on time and be more inclusive than in 2012.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“Mr. Kay: I am grateful to you, Sir, for giving me the floor. I am delighted to be here with His Excellency Mr. Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, Prime Minister of Somalia, whose constant support for the United Nations is deeply appreciated. As I shall end my assignment at the end of the year, I wish to take this, my final opportunity, to thank the Council for its unstinting support over the past two and a half years. Without it, Somalia would not have progressed as it has. In 2013, there was hope in the air, but also anxiety. The mountain to climb was steep. As Somalia inches towards 2016, I believe that we should recognize what is going well, reflect on why it is working and what we should learn, and set out clearly the challenges ahead. Somalia is well advanced in its political and security transformation from failed to recovering State.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“A country that refugees once fled in their millions is now receiving refugees from other countries, such as Yemen, and welcoming home its own citizens. It is an honour for me to work in such a context and with such dedicated international partners and brave United Nations colleagues. The world should not squander this opportunity. We should reinforce success with increased engagement and resources in the coming period, and I am grateful for the Council's continued support.”
2015-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7445 (2015) · source
“We will continue to update the Council on the adequacy of security arrangements. Finally, we will keep under review the preparations for an electoral process in September 2016, and provide further advice on the implications as required. While it is too soon to celebrate definitive success in Somalia, I believe we would be missing a strategic opportunity if we failed to appreciate just how much the Somalis and the international community are achieving. As we cast our eye over the wider region and beyond, where else do we see a country, once mired in conflict, that now has progressively better functioning governance, where political dialogue is replacing the rule of the gun and, most importantly, where violent extremism is being successfully countered?”
2015-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7445 (2015) · source
“But continued progress between now and then will take sustained attention and commitment from all sides. I believe that UNSOM's mandate remains relevant for the coming year. As the federalism process moves forward, we will adjust the focus of our efforts. Our work in Somalia's regions will become ever more critical, and we will seek to maximize our support to existing and new administrations within our mandate for providing good offices and strategic policy advice. That requires logistical and security support in difficult circumstances. I look forward to the strategic review of the United Nations Support Office for the African Union Mission in Somalia that is also scheduled for July. It will help us to establish what is feasible, including for supporting emerging administrations where UNSOM. does not have a presence.”
2015-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7445 (2015) · source
“One third into the year, the humanitarian appeal is only 12 per cent funded, having received only $100 million of the $863 million needed. The situation could be further compounded by a poor rainy season, if that happens, the closure of the Somali remittance operators and the escalating conflict in Yemen. Between 27 March and 14 May, Somalia received nearly 7,000 arrivals, of whom the vast majority, about 92 per cent, were Somali nationals, many of them with refugee status in Yemen. The United Nations is actively supporting efforts to assist those returning. The high-level partnership forum in Mogadishu planned for 29 July will be an opportunity for Somalia and its partners to come together to agree on priority action between now and 2016.”
2015-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7445 (2015) · source
“I welcome the African Union's report on allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by AMISOM. soldiers and commend the work of the investigations team. As the Council has already noted, there is now a need to follow up. Ambassador Sidikou will brief further on this. The humanitarian situation in Somalia remains alarming. The numbers speak for themselves. Some 730,000 Somalis continue to be unable to meet their most basic daily food needs; an additional 2.3 million people are at risk of sliding into the same situation; among them, over 1.1 million Somalis remain displaced, the majority women and children. This situation requires constant attention, adequate funding and continuous upgrades to our analytical and forecasting capabilities.”
2015-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7445 (2015) · source
“Although Somalia's financial system remains high-risk, the Federal Government and its international partners are taking steps within the New Deal framework to ensure robust oversight of the overall governance architecture. There is still a long way to go, but I am pleased to report that a Treasury Single Account is now in place, creating a single channel for national revenues and payments. There is work to do on human rights as well. This year, Somalia will need to report on progress made on their commitments in the universal periodic review. I note with concern that there has been a marked increase in executions and death sentences handed out in 2015 despite Somalia's commitment to put a moratorium on executions. I also remain concerned about threats and intimidation of journalists in Somalia.”
2015-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7445 (2015) · source
“The Government has exercised leadership in bringing all partners together. A portfolio of seven programmes, aligned with the Federal Government's priorities and donor resources, and with a value of over $100 million, has been approved for inclusion in the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund. I thank all donors who have pledged support, and further encourage them to support Somalia's recovery through these mechanisms. However, the alignment and coordination of international assistance behind Somali leadership is uneven. Of the funds generously pledged at Brussels in 2013, only about 10 per cent have been committed through the Compact architecture. I encourage all Somalia's partners to adhere to our collective commitments, and especially to increase their use of national systems.”
2015-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7445 (2015) · source
“My colleague Ambassador Sidikou and His Excellency the Prime Minister will brief further on this. The development of the Somali national army and the Somali police is an imperative for both the defeat of Al-Shabaab and the AMISOM. exit strategy. The Guulwade (Victory) Plan referred to in the Secretary- General's report (S/2015/331) seeks to train and equip the national army for joint operations now. It provides a sound framework, but business as usual will not be enough to support it. A robust architecture for the delivery of international support to the national army is needed, and we are consulting all partners on the options. A similar plan for the police, including regional police, is also needed. I am encouraged that the mechanisms created in 2014 to support the implementation of the "New Deal" Somali Compact are starting to perform.”
2015-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7445 (2015) · source
“Ihope that the coming weeks will see even closer cooperation among Member States to address this threat at the subregional level, including measures to prevent and counter Violent extremism. With so much at stake between now and 2016, we can expect Al-Shabaab to do everything it can to derail the political process in Somalia. Renewing the joint Somali and African Union offensive against Al-Shabaab is an urgent priority. I once again pay tribute to the courage of the Somali national army and our African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) colleagues. The African Union and the United Nations recently completed a joint mission to Somalia to assess the benchmarks for a United Nations peacekeeping mission and the impact of the surge of AMISOM. troops, and to provide recommendations on the next steps in the military campaign.”
2015-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7445 (2015) · source
“In that regard, I want to thank the Council for its support to the expansion of the United Nations guard unit, which provides vital protection to United Nations staff within the Mogadishu International Airport compound and the new offices we have moved into in Mogadishu city. This is the first time a Security Council-mandated mission has operated from outside the airport zone since 1995. I remain concerned about security in Somalia and about the threat posed by Al-Shabaab to the wider subregion, demonstrated by the heinous attack on Kenya's Garissa University College in April. We need to monitor closely and be able to respond to any sign that Al-Shabaab is benefiting from their links to extremist groups in Yemen and from the instability there. Counter-terrorism requires efforts on many fronts.”
2015-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7445 (2015) · source
“Tragically, on 20 April a terrorist attack in Garoowe claimed the lives of four UNICEF staff members and three Somali guards. Al-Shabaab targeted individuals who were working hard to improve the lives of Somali children and families. It was, as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud said, "an attack against the future of the country". We honour our fallen colleagues by continuing their work. We have to ensure a balance between our duty of care to staff and the delivery of our mandate to support the Somalis. Overall, the United Nations - agencies, funds and programmes and mission combined - have on average 1,400 people deployed throughout Somalia. We must ensure adequate protection for these teams.”
2015-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7445 (2015) · source
“On 6 May, the Chairperson of the independent Constitutional Review and Implementation Commission resigned, but there should be no let-up in moving the process forward. The United Nations is supporting the commissioners and other relevant institutions in starting the constitutional review process in earnest without further delay. I am also concerned about the timetable for elections in Somaliland, which were due next month. The recent decision by the House of Elders to postpone elections for 22 months until March 2017 is a disappointment. The United Nations has joined other international partners in urging a reconciliation of this timetable based on a political consensus among all Somaliland stakeholders. The security of United Nations staff in Somalia remains a priority.”
2015-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7445 (2015) · source
“The United Nations will deploy an electoral assessment mission to advise and determine, in close collaboration with stakeholders, the nature and extent of United Nations electoral support in Somalia. The United Nations - together with the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and the European Union and Member States - continues to support the formation of the interim regional administrations. Many challenges remain, in particular ensuring inclusivity. More needs to be achieved in terms of local reconciliation. Women, minorities and youth must be well represented as part of that inclusivity. Progress on federalism has not been matched by similar progress on the constitutional review process.”
2015-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7445 (2015) · source
“There are several important targets the Government has set for itself in the coming months, including completing the formation of interim regional administrations and assemblies; advancing the constitutional review; establishing the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) and the Boundaries and Federation Commission; and finalizing priority legislation on political parties, citizenship and elections. Once Parliament has approved the nomination of commissioners for the National Independent Electoral Commission, the NIEC will face a compressed timeline to discharge its duties. Upon its establishment, the Commission will need to decide swiftly on how to implement its mandate.”
2015-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7445 (2015) · source
“Somalia's third Government in less than three years is hard at work, and the Federal Parliament has begun its sixth session. Somalia's federal, regional and local leaders, parliamentarians and people from all walks of life are building a federal State, step by step, through dialogue and reconciliation. The prevailing environment of mistrust accumulated over nearly 25 years makes the task difficult and painstaking; but it must continue, and it deserves our sustained support. Federal President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, as well as the Prime Minister, Speaker and the leaders of Puntland, Jubba and South-West Administrations, have reiterated their determination to deliver Somalia's Vision 2016 plan without any extension of the term of the Federal Parliament or President in August and September 2016, respectively.”
2015-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7445 (2015) · source
“Mr. Kay: I wish to thank you, Madam President, for this opportunity to brief the Council. I am glad to be doing so with my friend and colleague Ambassador Maman Sidikou. Yesterday we briefed the African Union Peace and Security Council together, which is why we are joining the Council today from Addis Ababa. The African Union-United Nations partnership in Somalia is unique, strong and essential for success. Let me begin by thanking the Council for its continued support to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and to the peacebuilding and State-building process in Somalia. When I spoke to the Council in February, I said that I was both excited and worried about the year ahead. I was excited because, after too long a pause, there was the prospect of political progress again. And indeed, momentum has been regained.”
2015-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7445 (2015) · source
“The United Nations and other international partners stand firm in our own commitment. I remain inspired by the dedication and bravery of the United Nations family in Somalia, and I thank the Council for its unflinching support.”
2015-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7375 (2015) · source
“Despite all the bumps in the road, I still get a palpable sense from Somalis I meet across the country that progress is both urgent and possible. We now have more work to do this year than last. The Somali Compact and Vision 2016 remain the right frameworks. The High-level Partnership Forum meeting planned for May in Mogadishu will be a critical opportunity to adjust our plans, if necessary, to meet our targets by September 2016. For Somalis to have lasting peace, they need to build a sustainable and inclusive State. Politics this year must be more inclusive than it was last year, at both the national and regional levels. The main responsibility lies with Somali political leaders in and outside Government, in the regions and in Mogadishu. I pay tribute to their hard work and daily courage.”
2015-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7375 (2015) · source
“Over the past four months, Somalia's increasingly secure return to the community of nations has been marked by an unprecedented series of high-level visits, including by the Secretary-General, along with the Presidents of the World Bank and the Islamic Development Bank; the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security; the Secretary-General and representative of the League of Arab States; and, most recently, the Turkish President. The IGAD Council of Ministers meeting in Mogadishu on 10 January 2015, which was the first since 1985, was a major sign of commitment and confidence. I welcome the recommendation to hold an IGAD summit in Mogadishu in 2015. It is clear that peace and security in Somalia matters to the region, Africa and the world.”
2015-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7375 (2015) · source
“In 2014, thanks to early warning and early action, we were able to prevent a deterioration of one ofthe most dire and enduring humanitarian crises in the world. But Somalia is still teetering on the edge. In 2015, we must see concerted action by the Federal Government and international partners to pull it back from the brink. That means both an ongoing life-saving emergency response and implementing longer-term, durable solutions. The year 2014 saw important progress in key areas: the campaign against Al-Shabaab, the State-formation process and the establishment of some key institutions. That progress was the result of partnership among Somalis and between Somalis and the international community. I am heartened that international partners remain united and committed to peace, security and development in Somalia.”
2015-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7375 (2015) · source
“Somalis need to see the coordination and financing mechanisms established in 2014 deliver in 2015. Jointly agreed sectoral flagship programmes must be funded and implemented. I appeal to Member States and other partners to contribute to the United Nations Multi-partner Trust Fund. Somalis also need to see an improvement in human rights and the protection of women and children this year. I welcome Somalia's recent ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We must also build the key institutions, particularly the national Human Rights Commission. Promoting and protecting human rights must underpin and become a core part of what existing federal and sub-federal institutions deliver. Meanwhile, we must not be complacent about the humanitarian situation.”
2015-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7375 (2015) · source
“The United Nations, the African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the European Union and other international partners are working ever more closely together to ensure coherent support to make progress in Somalia. IGAD will continue to play a critical role in political processes, particularly at the regional level. Delivering progress this year will require even closer collaboration and accountability between the Federal Government and international partners. The Copenhagen High-level Partnership Forum, held in November 2014, reaffirmed that the Somali Compact remained the right framework for that purpose. Partnership and mutual accountability need to be translated into concrete actions and must be extended to all areas, including aid flows, human rights and public financial management.”
2015-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7375 (2015) · source
“I thank the Council members for their heartfelt statements of support and solidarity. I am also most grateful for the professional work of the United Nations Guard Unit, provided by Uganda. In 2014, it allowed us to expand our presence in Mogadishu. Without it, we could not achieve the mandates the Council set for UNSOM. and the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM. But, as we have expanded, the Guard Unit has been stretched to the limits ofits capacity. In 2015, the demands on the United Nations will only increase. We shall need to expand our presence in the regions to support stabilization and Vision 2016. That will require a further expansion of the Guard Unit. I hope the upcoming joint African Union-United Nations benchmarking review can address this issue, among other things.”
2015-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7375 (2015) · source
“Implementing commitments made in September at the London Security Event will be key. Coherent support to 10,900 Somali National Army personnel in joint operations with AMISOM, the development of a plan for the defence sector, coherent national security architecture and militia integration into national security forces are the challenges. All this must be politically realistic - guided by and with the grain of the federalism process. It must also be financially sustainable. Somalia remains one of the most dangerous places in which the Council has mandated operations. I pay tribute to the work and sacrifices of AMISOM. and Somali troops over the last year. We were all saddened by the loss of life in the 25 December attack inside the Mogadishu International Airport area.”
2015-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7375 (2015) · source
“We need creative ways to accelerate delivery that strengthens the legitimacy of local administrations. Collectively we shall need to accept and manage the risk involved in such programmes. I look forward to greater implementation of the Federal Government's stabilization strategy, particularly local reconciliation and peacebuilding activities. To do this, we need more secure movement within liberated areas. Promoting the rule of law is an important part of the peace dividend in newly recovered areas and a key part of State-building more broadly. This year we need to help extend basic access to justice sector institutions - police, justice and corrections - to the regions. In 2015, we also need to set the foundations for a sustainable Somali defence sector.”
2015-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7375 (2015) · source
“Combating terrorism also requires a more coherent regional approach, both within Somalia and in the Horn of Africa more broadly, to undermine Al-Shabaab's cross-border capability, finances and intent. Security for Somali civilians must improve. Al-Shabaab is not the only threat they face. Between the United Nations, AMISOM. and federal and regional authorities we need to recognize and respond to the continuing potential for local inter-clan disputes to lead to conflict. I am grateful for the Council's attention to the need to secure main supply routes to liberated areas. A great deal depends on it. Secure access will improve and enable military operations, allow independent and impartial needs-based humanitarian supplies to be delivered and, crucially, allow resumption of normal commercial activity. Stabilization has to work this year.”
2015-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7375 (2015) · source
“A spirit of compromise is the hallmark of strength not weakness. The sacrifice, courage and dedication of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Somali National Army have had a decisive impact on security in Somalia. The United Nations Support Office for AMISOM. (UNSOA) has played an exceptionally effective part in this success in 2014 and deserves recognition, as does the European Union (EU) for its role in meeting much of the costs of AMISOM. and its deployment of the EU Training Mission to Mogadishu. The campaign against Al-Shabaab will continue to advance in 2015. AMISOM. and the Somali National Army will continue to counter Al-Shabaab's asymmetric approach. They need the right capability to defeat this threat.”
2015-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7375 (2015) · source
“To do this, Federal leaders and institutions, including Parliament, have a responsibility to improve their working practices, transparency and engagement with each other. Those with the greatest power and influence have the greatest responsibility to find workable compromises. They will be held accountable by Somalis and international partners for further instability and delay. The importance of the political process this year will raise the stakes in Somali politics. I worry that tensions will rise as the 2016 elections get closer. Somalia's people and nascent institutions will be breaking historic new ground this year, as the country moves down the road to federalism and democracy. It is up to the country's political leaders to guide this process responsibly, build confidence among all groups and put aside narrow interests.”
2015-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7375 (2015) · source
“Women's participation and leadership at the local and national level must be promoted. I note with concern that words and good intentions have not so far translated into action when it comes to selecting women for senior roles. Traditional elders and political leaders have a responsibility to make sure this happens. Political infighting of the kind we saw last year could derail the whole project. The most recent crisis has delayed all key Government business for over three months and left Parliament divided and distracted. I welcome the appointment of the new Prime Minister, Mr. Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, but I am disappointed that it has not yet been possible to reach agreement with Parliament on a new Cabinet. Once a Cabinet has been approved, future crises need to be avoided.”
2015-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7375 (2015) · source
“I welcome the intention to establish without delay an interregional consultative forum in Somalia. Secondly, with a constitutional referendum expected in early 2016, the bulk of the constitutional review, including important discussions on power and resource sharing, will need to be completed this year. Thirdly, key decisions and preparations for the 2016 referendum and elections must be made. The long- delayed National Independent Electoral Commission and the Boundaries and Federation Commission need to be established and operationalized urgently. We must continue to support and build the Federal Government's leadership and capacity, but inclusive political processes will be the key. Somalia's regions must play a full part in State-building and peacebuilding processes, and minority and marginalized groups need to be included in them.”
2015-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7375 (2015) · source
“I am excited because this year will be decisive in whether and how Somalia can become a unified, peaceful and federal State. I am worried, because the challenges and risks are significant - delays and setbacks will have an even greater impact this year than last. The year 2015 should be the year of federalism and delivery. The Federal Government's Vision 2016 remains the plan. But timelines have shortened significantly, largely as a result of repeated political crises. First, we need to accelerate the momentum established in 2014 in the federalism process, particularly building the capacity of existing interim regional administrations and establishing new ones where they do not exist. Within the next few months we need to see all the interim regional administrations in place.”
2015-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7375 (2015) · source
“Mr. Kay: First of all, I would like to congratulate you, Sir, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month, and to thank you for taking the initiative to circulate many written questions in advance of today's briefing. I hope my briefing in the open meeting will cover a lot of those questions; others will be answered in the closed meeting. I also thank you for this opportunity to brief the Council on Somalia. I am particularly pleased to be doing so with my friend and colleague, Ambassador Sidikou. The partnership in Somalia between the African Union (AU) and the United Nations is unique, strong and essential for success. I would like to use this briefing, ifI may, to take a hard look at the challenges ahead this year. When I look ahead to 2015, I am both excited and worried.”
2015-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7375 (2015) · source
“I do not underestimate the challenges, or the urgency and difficulty of overcoming them, but I firmly believe that Somalia's problems are those of a country coming together, not a country falling apart. I know the Council spends a lot of its time dealing with the latter. I thank the Council for its unstinting support for Somalia, and I welcome the many commitments made at last month's high-level event in New York. I pay tribute to my United Nations colleagues, who are working with dedication and courage to help Somalis realize their hopes and dreams. I also want to thank all of Somalia's international partners, particularly the African Union, the European Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, for their cooperation, contributions and commitment to Somalia, without which we would not be where we are today.”
2014-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7278 (2014) · source
“Donors also need to strengthen the transparency of aid flows and activities in accordance with commitments under the New Deal Compact process. The United Nations is doing its part to comply with its Compact commitments. We shall soon sign our first integrated strategic framework with the Federal Government. That will guide more coherent and better coordinated United Nations efforts to achieve the national priorities set out in the Compact. The Copenhagen High-Level Partnership Forum, to be held in November, will be an important moment to take stock of the progress towards the goals of the Somali Compact. It is important that sub-federal administrations be given a role in the conference, including in its preparation. In conclusion, I remain a committed optimist.”
2014-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7278 (2014) · source
“Over 300 metric tons of supplies for tens of thousands of people have been delivered by air due to the lack of secure access to recovered areas, but that still falls short of needs on the ground. Air cargo flights simply cannot deliver the quantities required. Secure road access is essential. We must also urgently mobilize sufficient resources, otherwise we face another devastating humanitarian emergency, which could undermine the political and security gains of the last two years. I welcome the appointment of the independent advisory panel to the Financial Governance Committee. I look forward to greater transparency and better public financial management, particularly in the area of public-sector contracts.”
2014-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7278 (2014) · source
“I welcome the African Union's commitment, reiterated in New York on 24 September by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, to a full investigation in accordance with its zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse. It is important that it be transparent and that witnesses be protected. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) stands ready to lend our support in any way we can. The humanitarian situation in Somalia has continued to deteriorate. Over 3 million people need humanitarian or livelihood assistance in Somalia today. That includes over 1 million Somalis who cannot feed themselves - an increase of 20 per cent in six months. Humanitarian assistance has been stepped up.”
2014-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7278 (2014) · source
“I welcome the recent Visit by Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and the recent commitment by the Federal Government to put the ratification of the Convention of the Rights of the Child before Parliament. But I share the concerns of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia about the recent arrests ofjournalists, who have yet to face trial, the closure of media outlets and the increasing use of capital punishment. I reiterate my call on the Federal Government to implement its pledge to establish a moratorium on the death penalty. I also call for further progress in establishing the independent human rights commission. I am very concerned about recent allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by some AMISOM troops.”
2014-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7278 (2014) · source
“The establishment of local administrations also needs to be synchronized with the ongoing federal State-formation process. I remain concerned that efforts to develop security institutions are insufficient. I welcome the recent discussions in London, particularly on militia integration and a more coordinated and realistic plan for defence sector reform. I note the improvements in the Federal Government's reporting on its obligations under the United Nations sanctions regime and I look forward to further improvements with the support and cooperation of international partners. We shall also continue to support efforts to strengthen the rule of law. Human rights remain a concern and a priority.”
2014-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7278 (2014) · source
“However, key assets, especially helicopters, are still needed, not least to help ensure secure road access across the country. Military action will not eradicate the terrorist threat in Somalia. Military gains need to be consolidated through stabilization. It is also important to focus on strategic communication and a comprehensive and properly funded disengaged combatants programme. The United Nations is actively assisting with all of that. We also need more resolute action to end the trade in charcoal that is funding terrorism. There has been progress in establishing local administrations and in the deployment of Somali police force officers in some newly recovered areas. The Federal Government has led the strategic and operational coordination of stabilization activities, and that needs to be intensified to ensure a coherent approach.”
2014-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7278 (2014) · source