YouSaid · the spoken record

Keating

lines on the record: 583
first: 1993-06-27
most recent: 2018-09-13
sittings or episodes: 64
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 more that political leaders show unity, the greater the opportunity, and the responsibility, of international partners to invest in all parts of the country and its leadership. In conclusion, I should like to thank the Council for its continued support for Somalia, the United Nations and me and my team. It has been a privilege to work with international partners and, above all, with the leaders and people of Somalia.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“Practical capacities are essential, as is success in fostering truly inclusive politics, which is far from easy in a political economy scarred by 30 years of violent conflict, with spoilers who benefit from insecurity. Success depends upon political, business, traditional and other leaders working together for the common good, while leveraging the country's potential wealth to transform prospects for people - especially youth. Cynicism concerning the likelihood of that ever happening and of Somalis being able to find a basis upon which to resolve their problems has been punctured in the past few years. There is now a sense of the possible, not of just the impossible.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“Future crises will result from the combination of climate-related shocks, armed conflict provoked by Al-Shabaab and unresolved grievances, competition over natural resources and the systemic marginalization of certain groups. The objective should be to reduce human vulnerability by creating jobs, investing in urbanization, water management and access to clean power, and adding value to the country's enormous economic potential, whether in livestock, fisheries, agriculture or information technology. The future of Somalia is in the hands ofthe Somalis. The Government recognizes that, and I pay tribute to its determination to reassert Somalia's sovereignty. Political will alone, however, is not enough.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“The atmosphere created by the resurgence of diplomatic activity in the Horn of Africa and the rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea may, I hope, prove contagious. Beneficial knock-on effects could include containment or a swifter resolution of conflicts among Somalis, including talks between Hargeisa and Mogadishu, which need to resume, and finding a respectful basis upon which Somalia can benefit from historic links and support with all its partners. A fourth risk is that the population will once again face the prospect of a humanitarian catastrophe. Unfortunately, the risk of that happening is high, and millions are already living on the edge of a dignified existence.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“deserves predictable funding and a clear horizon for its drawdown, based on reconfiguration around progress in degrading Al-Shabaab and on evident Somali capacity to assume security responsibilities. A premature departure of AMISOM. could be disastrous, but in order to be sustained, support for AMISOM, as well as support for Somali security institutions, requires success in improving the population's security. Somalis have taken ownership of a conditions-based transition, and AMISOM. can help drive its success. The role played by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) will need to evolve as transition advances. The current UNSOS review will shed light on that. A further test of international unity relates to Somalia's vulnerability to partners' rivalries, including in the Gulf.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“The Government's security, political and economic reform agenda will be far more successful if partners work with one another, based on agreed national plans and capable management systems. In some areas that is working, and the results have been impressive, including humanitarian and electoral support and economic and financial reforms. Strong partnerships are being brokered by the United Nations and international financial institutions. Much high-level budget support is in the pipeline, including from the European Union and Norway, but in other areas, namely, the security area, more bilateral approaches prevail, thereby complicating the chances of success. Another area in which fragmentation must be resisted is the basis upon which AMISOM. will remain in the country. AMISOM.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“Motions of no-confidence and impeachment and elections are abused and used for financial and political gain. They need to be revamped. Politicians' role should be to get things done, rather than promote clan or personal interests. That will take time and will happen only if agreements and processes are seen as legitimate and the result of constructive engagement. Trust requires respect for due process, the commitment to non-violence and the willingness to engage and make compromises for the broader good. That was my parting message to Somali leaders. The third risk, notwithstanding Council unity, is fragmentation in the international community. There are a number of dimensions to that.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“Strong and differing views about federalism are legitimate, but if the political culture is to change, those need to be resolved through dialogue, not unilateral actions. More immediately, the greatest challenge is to reach political agreements that enable forward momentum without prejudicing the outcome of the constitutional review. Those include the electoral law, the integration of security forces and resource- and revenue-sharing agreements. In that context, trust is the key ingredient, although it is difficult given the fact that politicians suspect, or assume, that their opponents' principal preoccupation is to remove or replace them. The concept of patriotic opposition is weak, and the rules of the political game are blurred and blunt.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“Building upon progress to date, there is scope for more investment in the capacity of federal states and more outreach and communication from the centre. Securing the buy- in of key constituencies to the national agenda - not just the federal states, but also parliamentarians, clan power brokers, the business community, including the diaspora, and traditional elders - is becoming tougher and more expensive as state and national elections approach, but it is essential. Mitigating that risk requires a twin-track approach. Fundamental issues, including how power should be shared, allocated and separated, the nature of the federal state and the respective powers of Federal and state Governments, should be addressed through the constitutional review. Young people, women and minorities need to be consulted.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“Second is the risk that political differences will bring progress, the passage of key legislation and the implementation of the Government's reform-and- security agenda to a grinding halt. The deficit of trust between the central Government and federal member states and the recent decision by the latter to suspend cooperation are very worrisome. The failure to restore trust and cooperation sends a negative signal to both Somalis and those international partners trying to make a case to sceptical capitals that Somali is ready for additional financial and security support. Federal states should use the upcoming meeting of the National Security Council, to be convened by the President, as an opportunity for constructive engagement.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“It uses targeted assassinations, improvised explosive devices and the extortion both of communities and businesses, including in Mogadishu and other towns. Managing and mitigating that risk requires systematic degradation of Al-Shabaab, as well as increasing the legitimacy and capacity of the Government. One without the other will not work. Accelerated implementation of the national security architecture and investment in the comprehensive approach to security are essential. Those can facilitate more coherent approaches by international partners, but success depends primarily upon the implementation of agreements among Somali leaders on security roles and responsibilities throughout the country.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“Tackling corruption also requires structural change - building and funding independent justice institutions, appointing well-trained and competent staff in the civil service. Somalis are proud of their clan lineage, but the country cannot afford to let clan identity be the only basis for determining appointments. Young people in particular deserve institutions that deliver services. The Government is fully aware of those challenges. The issue is whether it will be able to tackle them, and whether the international community will be able to provide coherent, adequate and timely support to help it do so. There are many risks. Four stand out. First is the risk that Al-Shabaab and other extremists will derail progress. Despite the success of AMISOM and Somali security forces in containing Al-Shabaab, it remains resilient.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“Disputes over borders, resources and revenues, power-sharing and grievances between clans and interest groups have the potential to turn Violent and result in further human misery and displacement. The 4.5 power-sharing convention that accommodates the interests of powerful clans at the expense of weaker ones and of minorities has allowed progress, but is a source of exploitable grievances. The rule of law is weak. A justice and corrections model is close to being agreed, but capacity remains very limited. The Government lacks the means to ensure that judgements are implemented; too often, people turn to Al-Shabaab instead. Corruption is systemic, used to gain and retain power. It penalizes the poor, the majority. Untraceable money changing hands continues to be a defining feature of Somali politics.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“Somalis continue to experience profound insecurity, high and costly levels of violence, ruthless attacks by Al-Shabaab, limited access tojustice and basic services, an absence of local governance, chronic poverty and a lack of income andjobs. The country is vulnerable to climate shocks. There are 2.6 million internally displaced persons. It is one of the most disadvantageous places in the world for women, and the educational, work and life opportunities for young people remain heartbreakingly limited. Abuse and the deprivation of human rights is common, including sexual violence, harmful traditional practices, limited freedom of expression and arbitrary arrests and detentions, including of children. A national human rights commission has yet to be established.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“Legislative and institutional frameworks are being developed for the 2020 elections. Real progress is being made to review the Constitution. Federal states have been more engaged on a range of issues, and the work Federalization Negotiation Technical Committee has energized the Government's agenda. A national reconciliation framework is being developed with a view to all players in Somali society playing a part in addressing grievances and resolving conflicts. Somalis can draw strength from those positive changes. However, no one should delude themselves about the challenges ahead, many of them structural.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“The plan for the transition of lead security responsibility from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to Somali forces is being implemented. Somali forces just took over Mogadishu's iconic stadium and adjacent areas. There is a Government in place with a compelling reform agenda, anchored in the strong partnership between President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo and Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre. Its primary objective is to make the country more creditworthy and accountable as a step towards regaining full sovereignty, reducing dependency and attracting both public and private investment. Benchmarks set by the International Monetary Fund are being met, domestic revenues are increasing, public financial management is improving, business confidence is growing and the prospect of arrears clearance and debt reliefis closer.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“A famine was averted in 2017 thanks to national mobilization, better preparedness and the generosity and speed of donors in providing funding. That is a largely untold story that is a credit both to Somalis and to the United Nations. The federal map is being filled in. One year ago, HirShabelle state was created. There have been successes in conflict prevention and resolution. I just crossed lines and went shopping in Galkayo, a town that was until recently very insecure and bitterly divided. Other conflicts, such as between Puntland and Somaliland, have been prevented through intense diplomatic activity by the United Nations, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and others. A framework for addressing chronic insecurity is in place: the national security architecture and the comprehensive approach to security.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“Mr. Keating: My tour of duty comes to an end next week. On the day that I arrived in Mogadishu in January 2016, I was taken straight to the President's office to discuss a threat by federal member states to suspend cooperation with the central Government. When I left Mogadishu two days ago, the country faced a similar situation. The structural problems that shape Somali politics and security have not changed, but that should not obscure some remarkable achievements in the past three years. There was a peaceful transition of presidential power with a result that was accepted as legitimate. A new Upper House, representing the federal states, came into being. The percentage of women Members of Parliament went up from 14 to 24 per cent, higher than both the African and the global average.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“The situation of children affected by armed conflict remains dire, with a marked increase in abductions and the recruitment and the use of children. Impunity for sexual Violence continues to be of great concern. I strongly urge the Federal Government to enact the sexual offences bill, which will strengthen the legal framework and reduce impunity for crimes of sexual violence. In conclusion, the people of Somalia continue to face extraordinary challenges. They are fortunate to have a Government that is serious about tackling them. Key to its success will be unity among Somali leaders, complemented by the coherent support of the Council and the broader international community.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8259 (2018) · source
“The Government is moving forward with a national reconciliation framework, supported by the United Nations and other partners, recognizing that the many conflicts in Somalia, whether over resources, clan disputes or federal state formation, need to benefit from the engagement of civil society, women and youth groups, the business sector, traditional elders and conflict mediation experts. Unfortunately, the human rights situation remains deeply problematic, with many groups being particularly vulnerable, including women, internally displaced persons, minorities and journalists. The signing of the joint programme on human rights in February was a positive step towards strengthening protection frameworks. I urge the Federal Government to move forward the process of establishing the human rights commission.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8259 (2018) · source
“At risk is not only the welfare of hundreds of thousands of people and the possibility of mass displacement at a time when humanitarian funds are already low, but the remarkable progress that both Somaliland and Puntland have made over the years. Conflict could unravel more than 20 years of relatively peaceful coexistence. I urge Council members to engage with all concerned to reduce tensions and discourage those who may be seeking advantage from that situation. The Tukaraq crisis could distract attention from the progress that has been made in resolving conflicts elsewhere, notably in Galkayo, which is more peaceful today than for many years, as well as in Merka in Lower Shabelle and Galmudug, where, despite the hurdles, there is forward momentum.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8259 (2018) · source
“Disputes that result in the reduction of aid flows and economic ties, or that increase tensions and the risk of violent conflict, only play into the hands of extremists and retard the State-building agenda that Somalia has set for itself in the coming year. With regard to the dispute in Tukaraq, the facts are still coming in, but fighting has erupted and there are reports of deaths and casualties. I associate myself fully with President Farmajo's call a few hours ago for an immediate ceasefire and a resumption of political dialogue between the leaders of Somaliland and Puntland. In the past few days, both President Bihi Abdi of Somaliland and President Gaas of Puntland have assured me that they want to avoid, and cannot afford, hostilities. The approach of Ramadan makes a ceasefire particularly important.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8259 (2018) · source
“Somalia needs respectful relations with all its international partners, recognizing that it is the prerogative of the Federal Government to lead foreign policy and that member states need to be fully consulted if they are to support policies that have a direct bearing on them. The best way to minimize the impact of the Gulf dispute is through greater Somali unity. It is ordinary Somalis that will suffer the most from a failure by political leaders to resolves those issues, whether through the constitutional review or through ad interim agreements. The upcoming National Security Council session provides an opportunity to do that under the President's leadership.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8259 (2018) · source
“The role of the United Nations and international community continues to be to insist upon adherence to the rule of law, inclusive processes and zero-tolerance for the use of violence by any party in the resolution of political disputes. Sometimes that results in us being accused by one side or another of being biased, but I believe that the record will speak for itself in terms of consistent support for a gradual change in Somali political culture. Relations among powerful Somali actors are being tested as a result of the Gulf dispute, with actors taking positions that accord with their economic interests, security and political objectives.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8259 (2018) · source
“The new Speaker was elected peacefully and inaugurated this past week. That creates an opportunity to fast-forward the legislative agenda, taking advantage of a phenomenon rare in Somali politics - unity among the President, the Prime Minister and the Speaker. But, as with tensions that continue between the Federal Government and federal member states, structural deficits may again contribute to future crises. Those need to be addressed, including through the electoral law and political party law, while moving towards a constitutionally compliant forum that brings the Federal Government and federal member state leadership together, and measures to regulate motions of no confidence and impeachment procedures, as well as nothing less than a campaign to fight corruption.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8259 (2018) · source
“Somali politics remain as lively as ever, punctuated by crises relating to competition for power and resources, complicated by the weakness of Somali institutions and ambiguities in the provisional Federal Constitution, particularly with regard to relations among the three branches of Government, the growing pains associated with the emergence of federal arrangements and the role of untraceable money in the political marketplace. The most prominent fault lines have related to the impact of the Gulf dispute, the role of parliamentarians in politics and relations between the leaders of the federal member states and the Federal Government. Those issues both overlap and have distinct contours. The stand-off between the Federal Government and Parliament was resolved in early April when the Speaker of the House of the People resigned.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8259 (2018) · source
“More flexible operational support by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia will also be required, together with predictable financing. The AU-United Nations joint review is likely to underscore that the foremost requirement for success is the need for unity of purpose among Somali actors, as well as among the Somalis, the African Union, troop- contributing countries and principal security partners. The comprehensive approach to security structures is designed to ensure coherent and coordinated approaches.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8259 (2018) · source
“continues to play an indispensable role, at great human cost, in protecting population centres, main supply routes and Somalia's overall political progress. The Special Representative ofthe Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia and Head of the African Union Mission in Somalia will shortly address the many challenges that that entails. Suffice it to say that a successful security transition will require not just deep reform of the Somalia security forces, but also, as the Chairperson of the AU Commission and the Envoys of the Secretary-General noted, transformation of AMISOM, whether relating to more flexible joint operations and combat mentoring, greater emphasis on policing, adequate enablers and force multipliers or stronger accountability systems, whether for assets or relating to human rights.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8259 (2018) · source
“A measure ofprogress is that the security transition plan was adopted by Somalia's Council of Ministers on 19 April. The plan is designed to build Somali operational and institutional capacity not only for the armed forces, but also in areas ofthe most basic security concern to the population, includingjustice, accountable local governance, freedom of movement and provision of services. The plan was endorsed by the AU Peace and Security Committee on 30 April and welcomed by all partners at the high-level security meeting held in Brussels on 2 May. The imperative now is to implement it. Critical will be ensuring national ownership and leadership of the plan through the National Security Council structures under Somali leadership. AMISOM.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8259 (2018) · source
“The truly formidable challenge facing Somalia and its AU and other partners is simultaneously to fight the insurgency and reform the security sector. The President is leading defence reform. The Government is taking bold steps, including biometric registration, payroll reform and operational readiness assessments, while recognizing that much more needs to be done. The list includes - as the Prime Minister phrased it - turning the national security architecture into construction, agreeing the basis upon which regional forces will be integrated into the army and police, passing essential legislation, conducting asset inventories and weapons management and developing transparent procurement procedures and greater accountability.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8259 (2018) · source
“Success in raising revenues, attracting grants and budget support provides a firm basis not only for investment and creating jobs, but also for tackling Somalia's security and State-building challenges and strengthening relations with federal member states, not least through resource- and revenue-sharing agreements. Insecurity remains a constant concern. Despite increasing pressure on the group, including an increase in air strikes, Al-Shabaab has continued to demonstrate its ability to execute deadly terrorist attacks against civilian and military targets, including AMISOM, notably through the use of improvised explosive devices. The factors that breed terrorism, including youth unemployment, corruption, a sense of injustice and unresolved conflicts, cannot be left until later.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8259 (2018) · source
“A rapid- response allocation to address flood response of up to $5.1 million has been endorsed and is pending final approval. The 2018 humanitarian response plan calls for $1.5 billion. As of today, the plan is only 24 per cent funded, and is therefore inadequate to support the flood relief operations under way. Allow me to use this occasion to appeal to international donors once again to provide generous and timely support, while thanking them for the prompt and unprecedented amount of funding that enabled the prevention of famine last year.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8259 (2018) · source
“A number of partners are already providing, or now plan to increase, budget support, including the European Union, Norway, Sweden and Turkey. Additional resources are needed to address the root causes of fragility, chronic poverty and low human development affecting the majority of the population. Longer-term investment is needed to build resilience to climate shocks and break the cycle of recurrent crises that cause much suffering and undermine the State-building process. The humanitarian situation is not as bad as it was a year ago, but by any global measure it remains very grave. The gu rains and flooding have affected more than 718,000 people in the central and southern regions of Somalia. The consequences of the floods include large-scale population displacement, economic damage and diseases, including cholera.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8259 (2018) · source
“That agenda deserves timely and coherent support from the Council and Somalia's international partners, while recognizing that the many risks facing the country need to be managed and mitigated. The Government has vigorously pursued the objective of putting the country on a sounder economic and financial keel. In February the International Monetary Fund welcomed progress under the staff- monitored programme and reiterated its support to help Somalia reach a heavily indebted poor country decision point as soon as possible. The High-Level Roundtable on Somalia held in Washington, DC, on 19 April opened the path towards a pre-arrears clearance grant. That was a vote of confidence in the Government's achievements in engaging with the private sector, improving public financial management and increasing domestic revenues.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8259 (2018) · source
“In Beledweyne, humanitarian colleagues are working round the clock with local authorities and communities to address the catastrophic consequences of floods for over 200,000 people. Forces from Somaliland and Puntland have been exchanging fire in Tukaraq and the region of S001, with an as-yet-unknown number of casualties reported. There is a serious danger that that conflict could escalate, with devastating implications for local people, as well all Somalis. There is a lot going on. To its great credit, unforeseen events are not deflecting the Federal Government from its determination to pursue an agenda embracing economic and financial reform, revenue generation, security sector reform and inclusive politics - all with a view to an irreversible and positive transformation of the country's prospects.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8259 (2018) · source
“Celebratory events around the country are highlighting the needs and ambitions of today's young Somalis, many of whom lack education and job opportunities and, as a result, feel marginalized. In Baidoa, federal member state Presidents are meeting in the Council of Interstate Cooperation to prepare for engagement with the Federal Government on critical issues, such as security, resource and revenue sharing and relations with Gulf partners. The African Union (AU) and the United Nations joint review team are meeting Somali and international actors in Somalia. The focus of discussions has been the implications of the national security transition plan for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8259 (2018) · source
“Mr. Keating: At the outset, let me to express my best wishes to members of the Security Council and to Somalis around the world at the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, at time of peace, forgiveness and compassion. Events in the past 48 hours in Somalia serve to highlight the complexity of the situation facing its people. Today saw the conclusion in Mogadishu of the National Constitutional Convention, a milestone marked by strong commitment to an inclusive constitutional review process with clear and ambitious targets. That augurs well for strengthening the rule of law and stability and advancing reconciliation. Today happens to be the seventy-fifth anniversary of the foundation of the Somali Youth League.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8259 (2018) · source
“Allow me to take this opportunity to encourage international partners to continue their financial generosity, their support for strengthening technical capacities, and to be transparent and coordinated in their assistance.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8165 (2018) · source
“Somalia is making definite progress, though the risks remain real. It is fortunate to have a Government that is committed to implementing reform, resolving conflicts and meeting the formidable social, economic and security needs of the population. Continued progress is dependent not only on the strong political will and skill of the Federal Government, but also on cooperation and partnership with federal member states, Parliament, clan elders, business and international partners. When all of those constituencies cooperate, huge strides can be made. I strongly encourage Somali stakeholders to unite to tackle those priorities and make 2018 a year of implementation.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8165 (2018) · source
“Action plans have been developed to implement the national strategy on preventing and countering violent extremism. The human rights situation continues to be of great concern. The rule of law is weak and capacities and mechanisms to protect and promote basic rights are lacking. Forced evictions, sexual violence and the repression of freedom of expression are among the many indicators, with marginalized and minority groups being particularly vulnerable. The United Nations is supporting the Federal Government to strengthen frameworks, institutions and measures for upholding human rights, address impunity and improve the protection of women and children, and to take action to end the involvement of children in armed conflict. The formation of the national human rights commission is a positive step forward.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8165 (2018) · source
“The United Nations will continue to work closely with the African Union and key security investors to explore sustainable, predictable funding mechanisms for AMISOM, and support to AMISOM. to effectively fulfil its mandate. Progress is being made. The 2,400 Puntland defence forces have been integrated into the Somali National Army - a possible model for integration in other parts of the country. There is agreement on the allocation of police numbers for each state, for Mogadishu and the Federal Government. Each federal member state has developed a state police plan. A harmonizedjustice and corrections model has been endorsed by the National Security Council, which provides the basis for the establishment of an independent and impartial justice system.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8165 (2018) · source
“The transition plan will be the basis for securing future support for Somalia's security sector, and for AMISOM. The starting point for the plan is not ideal. The Federal Government of Somalia has undertaken an operational readiness assessment of the Somali National Army and the Somali Police Force, providing a much clearer understanding of their capability. They have revealed multiple deficits and the enormous challenge ahead in translating the national security architecture into reality on the ground. AMISOM's continued presence will therefore be essential. The premature drawdown of AMISOM. forces would be a gift to Al-Shabaab and risks undermining the gains that have been made, at great human and financial cost, over the past decade.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8165 (2018) · source
“To that end, on 4 December 2017, the Federal Government of Somalia and the federal member states agreed to develop a transition plan in the first quarter of this year, working closely with international partners, most importantly the African Union, the troop- and police-contributing countries and major international investors in Somalia's security, including the European Union. They agreed to create a conditions-based plan with clear milestones and target dates. It will be rooted in the comprehensive approach to security to ensure that planning focuses not only on military handover but also on policing, the rule of law and the strengthening of basic local governance, all of which are essential to sustaining security gains and to the credibility of the State.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8165 (2018) · source
“This year will require a dedicated effort by the Somali leadership, the African Union and international partners to build political acceptability and operational capability of the Somali security sector. That should enable AMISOM to gradually hand over responsibility to Somali security forces and to enable the Federal and state Governments as per the agreements in the national security architecture to exercise a monopoly over the use of force. The current situation, whereby security responsibilities are fragmented, often privately controlled and unaccountable, is both dangerous and untenable.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8165 (2018) · source
“Defeating Al-Shabaab will require both a military and political strategy - the use of both sticks and carrots - as well as sustained efforts to address deficits that lend extremists a degree of credibility. Those include corruption, the lack of educational and job opportunities for young people, weak national justice and corrections capacity, and grievances arising from unresolved disputes. The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) remains fundamental to security in the country and can take credit for having created the space to allow Somalia's political progress over the last decade. I pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of its troops, and am grateful to the troop- and police-contributing countries for their commitment to Somalia. AMISOM. cannot stay indefinitely.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8165 (2018) · source
“On 10 December 2017, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia released its first public report, entitled "Protection of civilians: building the foundations for peace, security and human rights in Somalia", which covers the period from 1 January 2016 to 14 October 2017. It documented a total of 2,078 civilians killed and 2,507 injured. The large majority of those casualties are attributable to Al-Shabaab. Al-Shabaab abducted civilians and conducted targeted assassinations and summary executions. In addition, 729 civilians were abducted by Al-Shabaab, of whom 403 were released. Five days ago, the Somali National Army's Danab special forces rescued 36 children from an Al-Shabaab training camp, many of whom had been forcibly recruited into the movement.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8165 (2018) · source
“With the support of international partners, including many on the Council, I have urged the leaders of Puntland and Somaliland to declare a cessation of hostilities, withdraw their forces, restore the status quo ante and open channels of communication. Al-Shabaab remains a potent threat, despite, or perhaps because, it is on the back foot as a result of financial pressures, counter-terrorism operations and air strikes. On 14 October, Mogadishu suffered the most deadly attack caused by an improvised explosive devise ever perpetrated, with an estimated 512 people killed, nearly all of whom were civilians.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8165 (2018) · source
“On 18 January in Dhusamareb, President Farmajo oversaw a ceremony to mark an agreement between the two to merge Assemblies, constitutions and security arrangements, and return the state administration to Dhusamareb - an agreement reached through political dialogue. That bodes well for efforts to resolve other disputes including in Galkayo. Several continue to simmer, while creating space for and distracting attention from the bigger threat posed by Al-Shabaab. There is a serious danger that long-standing disputes between Puntland and Somaliland, and in particular an armed stand-off in $001, could erupt into violence in the coming days, with potentially grave consequences. That closely follows delayed presidential elections and the orderly and peaceful transfer of power that took place in Somaliland late last year.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8165 (2018) · source
“Immediate priorities include the development and adoption of the electoral law by the Parliament, reaching agreement on the system of representation, decisions on voter registration and ongoing capacity-building and the institutional development of the national Independent Electoral Commission, including in the Federal member states. Regarding conflict resolution and reconciliation, the Federal Government plans to launch a national strategy in the coming months, while recognizing the multifaceted nature of the many disputes and grievances in the country. On the ground, there has been some significant progress. Since 2015, Galmudug has been split between the state authorities and Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama'a, with the state administration displaced to Cadaado.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8165 (2018) · source
“The national constitutional convention scheduled for March and/or April is expected to launch the next phase of the constitutional review process, focusing on resource- and power-sharing between the Federal Government and the federal member states, the status of Mogadishu and harmonization of the Federal and member state constitutions. In December 2017, the National Independent Electoral Commission launched its strategic plan to achieve universal elections. That will require sustained political support and donor funding. Registration of political parties will help stabilize politics. Thus far, seven have been registered, including one led by a woman. Registration is also an essential step towards holding universal elections.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8165 (2018) · source