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

“Humanitarian interventions must be complemented by investment in job-creating public works and infrastructure. The basis for that will be the drought impact needs assessment and recovery resilience framework, which is being developed by the Federal Government with support from the United Nations, the World Bank and the European Union. Continued support will be needed to help Somalia break the cycle of recurrent crises that cause so much suffering and undermine the peacebuilding and State-building process. Central to that process is gaining political agreement as to how power will be exercised, shared and accounted for. That requires progress in three key areas: review of the provisional federal constitution, preparation for the 2020-2021 elections, and conflict resolution and reconciliation.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8165 (2018) · source
“Although famine was averted in 2017 thanks to national leadership, collective humanitarian action and historic levels of donor support, food security needs are nearly double the five-year average, and an estimated 6.2 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. Malnutrition reached emergency levels in many locations and is expected to increase. Drought and conflict have displaced more than 2 million people within the country - up to a million of them in the last 12 months - including many children and more than 80,000 pregnant women. Given the recurrent nature of droughts in Somalia, an imperative is to address the root causes of Somalia's fragility and build resilience to shocks. That is needed to prevent further refugee flows and displacement.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8165 (2018) · source
“In the meantime, all Somali actors need to respect the rule of law and resist the use of violence against their political opponents. Otherwise, the risk is that the many positive developments under way will be overshadowed, and the Government's ability to implement its broader agenda and improve the lives of the population will be undermined. The scale of the challenges facing the country are daunting. Chronic poverty and persistent humanitarian needs are casting an ominous shadow over Somalia. The risk of famine continues to loom after four consecutive failed rainy seasons. The 2018 humanitarian response plan calls for $1.6 billion.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8165 (2018) · source
“Those incidents have highlighted basic problems that need to be addressed, such as inadequate rules and safeguards governing the conduct of politics, including impeachment procedures; blurred roles and lines of accountability of the many security actors; and the perpetuation of corrupt practices and of untraceable money in the political marketplace. Corruption is a blight, undermining reform efforts and limiting the confidence and trust of Somalis in their leaders and institutions. The effects can be seen in all areas of public life from business to politics, justice to security, while playing into the hands of extremists. The Government has declared its determination to develop plans to address corruption in the coming year.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8165 (2018) · source
“That Somalia's relationship with international partners remains strong was apparent at the Somalia Security Conference and the Partnership Forum, held in Mogadishu in early December 2017. The Government believes that it needs and deserves greater financial support to implement its reform agenda, even if that involves some calculated risks by donors. Somali politics, however, remain turbulent. In December, tensions were sharplyincreasedin Mogadishu by the violent arrest by the National Intelligence and Security Agency of a prominent opposition politician and by a raid on the house of a leading parliamentarian. The recent replacement of the Mayor has also created waves.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8165 (2018) · source
“The improving relationship between the Government and the private sector is also encouraging, as evidenced by the adoption of the telecommunications act - a milestone in public regulation of the economy - and by an increase in business confidence and domestic revenues. In December, the International Monetary Fund commended the Somali authorities' progress on policy reforms and its successful completion of the country's first staff-monitored programme since the end of the civil war. That is setting the country on a pathway that leads both to debt relief, increased public and private sector loans and investment, and to more money for basic services and infrastructure.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8165 (2018) · source
“A third is successfully managing the powerful constituencies that need to be on side. Those include federal member states, parliamentarians, clan power brokers, the private sector and international partners. It is encouraging that following a period of tension between federal member states and the Federal Government late last year, the relationship has stabilized. The form and structure of Somalia's federal system remains a matter of vigorous debate, but the renewed commitment of the Federal Government and federal member states to cooperate to address Somalia's needs is essential in order to make progress on all fronts.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8165 (2018) · source
“Mr. Keating: It is now almost one year since Somalia underwent a peaceful transition of power and the election of President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo. Like many new Governments, his has been through a steep learning curve. In the process, it has crafted a commendable national agenda embracing financial reform, job creation, inclusive politics, conflict resolution and reform of the security sector. The focus is now on the essential task of developing a plan for security transition. In implementing that multipronged agenda, the Federal Government is facing a number of major challenges. One is the mobilization of adequate technical and financial capacity. Another is ensuring coherent and coordinated approaches by both national and international actors.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8165 (2018) · source
“Allow me to end by thanking Council members for their united and steady commitment to Somalia and continued support to the United Nations, me and my team.”
2017-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8046 (2017) · source
“and the Somali security forces must complement one another. Conflict resolution, local reconciliation and a reduction in violence are essential to progress and to reducing both human and financial costs. The United Nations is working with IGAD, the African Union, the EU and other partners to strengthen national conflict- resolution capacities, as well as to facilitate agreements in specific locations. An example of that has been in Galkayo, where real progress is being made. In conclusion, Somalia faces immediate crises, as well as basic structural problems, some of which are worrisome in terms of their ability to derail political progress. Providing practical support and political encouragement to the Somali leadership, both at the Federal and state level, will continue to be essential.”
2017-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8046 (2017) · source
“That needs to build upon the recommendations of the joint AU-United Nations review of AMISOM, the outcome of the operational readiness assessment of the Somali National Army currently under way, and progress in implementing the national security architecture agreement. A successful transition of responsibility for security from AMISOM to Somali security institutions requires adequate and coherent support for both AMISOM. and Somalia's security forces, as well as clarity about the role of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia, as transition gets under way. Sustained transition requires that key political and operational conditions be met. AMISOM continues to play an indispensable role in protecting Somalia's progress and people. Somali security forces are not yet ready to shoulder full responsibilities. Funding for AMISOM.”
2017-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8046 (2017) · source
“The Council members' own deliberations in Addis Ababa last week illuminated the key issues. The Secretary- General's report on funding for AMISOM, due in November, will provide an opportunity to explore and propose funding options, while taking into account the limitations of voluntary contributions. That should be anchored in a common narrative on Somalia's security needs in the next five years - one shared by the Federal Government, the African Union, the United Nations and the main investors in Somalia's security, including the European Union (EU) and other major bilateral partners.”
2017-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8046 (2017) · source
“However, Al-Shabaab remains a potent threat and the overall security situation in the country remains volatile. Addressing insecurity and the continuing threat from Al-Shabaab require vigorous implementation of the national security architecture agreement and of the comprehensive approach to security. International partners have now been identified and have begun work on each of the four strands of the comprehensive approach to security, namely, enabling the effective operations of the African Union (AU) Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and implementing the transition from AMISOM; strengthening Somalia's security sector, including policing and maritime areas; stabilization; and, lastly, preventing and countering violent extremism. Securing predictable funding for AMISOM. is a top priority.”
2017-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8046 (2017) · source
“In the meantime, Somalia remains heavily dependent upon aid. Both traditional and non-traditional donors, including many serving on the Council, have provided generous assistance. The Prime Minister is appealing for immediate budget support to allow the Government to deliver on jobs and security and to strengthen relations with Federal member states by means of fiscal transfers. The United Nations and the World Bank have collaborated closely to devise a surge support package for public works. I urge partners to follow the European Union, Norway and Sweden's lead to use a recurrent cost and reform financing facility to that end. Security has improved in Mogadishu as a result of the Federal Government's Mogadishu stabilization plan. That deserves more support.”
2017-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8046 (2017) · source
“Somalia has great economic potential, whether in agro-business, livestock, fisheries, trade or renewable and other energy sources, as well as highly entrepreneurial men and women, both in the country and among the diaspora. Unleashing that potential depends upon the success of reaching a political settlement between the Government and the private sector, and upon Government policies and capacities to implement them. A critical requirement will be raising revenues, whether from domestic sources or by accessing concessional finance. Advancing arrears clearance and reaching a decision point on the Heavily lndebted Poor Countries Initiative are essential and will require both the strengthening of public financial management and international action. The support of the Council could make a decisive difference.”
2017-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8046 (2017) · source
“The legislative framework and agreement on the electoral model are urgently needed. Those will help dispel scepticism as to whether Somalia can move away from the so-called 4.5 model to universal suffrage. The crisis in relations between Gulf countries has had an impact on Somalia. Anticipated investments and revenue streams have not been forthcoming, and the Federal Government's declaration of neutrality, while receiving widespread support, has not gone down well with certain constituencies. The Council's continued support is needed to protect Somalia from the potentially destabilizing effects of geopolitical rivalries. Current political turbulence in Somalia must be taken seriously, but should not obscure the steady, if uneven, progress that the country is making.”
2017-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8046 (2017) · source
“They also include the structure of the judiciary, the status of the Banadir region, in which the national capital is located, and the formalization of the status of civil Federal member states. Advancing the review of the provisional Federal Constitution is therefore a priority. Useful consultations are taking place to ensure an inclusive review process, although the respective roles and responsibilities of core institutions still need to be clarified. The next step is a national consultative conference, scheduled in October, that should agree on a two-year master plan. Significant progress has been made on preparing and adopting priority laws, such as the telecommunications bill and the human rights commission act. Completing the constitutional review is also critical for the successful holding of the 2020-2021 elections.”
2017-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8046 (2017) · source
“They also include simmering disputes around the country, including in HirShabelle and the impeachment of the state President there, the political standoff in Galmudug, where the state President has been unable to advance power-sharing and reconciliation talks with Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama'a, and tensions in the southern part of HirShabelle. If the are unresolved, those could undermine the gains made so far in the state-formation process. The United Nations is working closely with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other partners to play a constructive role, including to support the HirShabelle elections. A resolution is needed to key issues that will define the Federal State, including the division of powers, and agreements on revenue- and resource-sharing between Federal and state Governments.”
2017-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8046 (2017) · source
“The key issue is whether the Federal Government will be successful in managing those constituencies and in preventing them from threatening progress on core objectives on the stability of the State. The strong working relationship between the President and the Prime Minister and the determination of the Federal Government to deliver tangible economic and security benefits for the population are very encouraging. The immediate issues that are currently generating strains in relations between State institutions include the controversy over the transfer to Ethiopia of a well-known Ogaden National Liberation Front figure and the reverberations of the Government's determination to maintain a neutral posture in the dispute among important Gulf partners.”
2017-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8046 (2017) · source
“The Federal Government remains determined to achieve core objectives, including improving security, notably in Mogadishu, creating jobs and adopting key legislation that will make a difference, but its honeymoon period is over. Somalia's Government is not the first to experience that phenomenon. Immediate political challenges are complicated by ill-defined relationships between the Federal Government and Federal member states, between the executive and the legislative branches of Government, between the newly formed Upper House of the Federal Parliament and the House of the People. Other challenges relate to politicians and power brokers using opportunities to advance their own clan interests or personal ambitions and using tools such as threats of impeachment and motions of no confidence.”
2017-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8046 (2017) · source
“Approximately 900,000 people have been newly displaced over the past five months, and the risk of famine remains. An imperative for Somalis is to escape the vicious cycle of recurring weather-related shocks. Humanitarian and development partners are coming together to build institutional capacity, strengthen resilience and boost productivity in line with the Secretary-General's new way of working. The Federal Government, supported by the United Nations and the World Bank, is developing plans for a comprehensive post-disaster needs assessment of the impact of the drought and a recovery and resilience framework to reduce the risk of famine. The peaceful transition of power earlier this year, following the electoral process, generated a sense of hope and a moment of opportunity.”
2017-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8046 (2017) · source
“Mr. Keating: The long-term and immediate challenges facing Somalia remain formidable, be they humanitarian, economic, security or political. The unity of the Council and the solidarity of the international community have been essential to the gradual if fragile progress that is being made. At my last briefing in March (see S/PV.7905), the humanitarian crisis was deteriorating fast. Thanks to the swift and generous contribution of more than $1 billion for humanitarian action since the beginning ofthe year, agencies have been able to mount a famine-prevention response reaching over 3 million people per month. The worst of the famine threat has been averted. However, the damage to lives and livelihoods, particularly of women, children and marginalized groups, has been extensive.”
2017-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8046 (2017) · source
“Full implementation of the human rights due diligence policy, including the implementation of mitigating measures, is essential. In conclusion, Somalia faces many daunting difficulties after decades of violent conflict, but it has now been presented with a political opportunity. The Security Council enjoys a remarkable degree of consensus on Somalia. I hope that it can be used not only to address the immediate crisis facing millions of people but also to support Somalia's new leadership, President and Prime Minister in addressing the underlying issues so that we can prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again.”
2017-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7905 (2017) · source
“It is vital to include all sectors of society, including women, young people, minorities and businesses, in the peaceful resolution of internal conflicts. The United Nations will work on that in coordination with key international partners such as the African Union, the European Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. Significant work is needed to improve the dismal human rights situation in Somalia. I am particularly concerned about attacks on journalists and the increase in sexual violence against internally displaced women and members of minority clans. Military operations and a worsening humanitarian situation will expose Somalis to violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. Improving the capacity to provide protection must be a priority.”
2017-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7905 (2017) · source
“The objective must be a sufficient level of security in the coming years, including in the run-up to the elections in 2020. Over the next month, the AU and the United Nations will jointly review AMISOM's future. Along with the results of the strategic assessment mission, the review should help the Council decide on the way forward for AMISOM, including the use of assessed contributions. However, the results of the review are unlikely to be ready by 15 April, owing to delays in the establishment of the new Government. Security is not the only priority. Advancing the constitutional process remains urgent. Constitutional development will require consensus-building, dialogue and consultations at various levels in order to address all issues related to federalism. Strengthening conflict- resolution capacities is another.”
2017-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7905 (2017) · source
“Such an agreement can become a basis for more coherent international support and a cornerstone for joint planning with the African Union (AU) on AMISOM's future and eventual drawdown. AMISOM is a model for a comprehensive approach to security, but it has reached its tenth anniversary and will not stay forever. The troop-contributing countries have their own parameters, and donors face many competing global demands. However, as was evident during the electoral process, for now AMISOM. remains the backbone of security in Somalia. Its presence is essential to building the Somali security forces, and its precipitate drawdown could be disastrous. For that reason, I urge the Council to focus on finding the funds to maintain AMISOM's presence and enable a conditions-based withdrawal.”
2017-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7905 (2017) · source
“Somalis want to assume greater responsibility for their own security. There is some way to go. The Somali security forces are underresourced, irregularly paid, fragmented, often privatized and largely unaccountable. But building trusted security forces that are acceptable to all Somalis is essential. It represents a major opportunity to build and consolidate the federal State and should be approached as such, not just as a military undertaking. The essential first step is a political agreement between the Federal Government and Federal member states, supported by Parliament and civil society, on a shared security architecture that embraces both army and police.”
2017-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7905 (2017) · source
“Support is needed to clear Somalia's arrears and allow it to move along a path towards debt relief. A more immediate challenge is to eliminate the scourge of terrorism. The cost is just too high, both in terms of human life and lost opportunities for Somalia, but also for its neighbours and the international community, including countries that are serving on the Council. Success in degrading and dismantling Al-Shabaab requires a multi-pronged approach, embedded in a political strategy led by the Somali Government. That approachwillneedto embrace support for AMISOM'S operations, Somalian security-sector reform, a resolution of local conflicts, the stabilization and expansion of State authority in liberated areas, and it should address the deficits in governance and the rule of law that give Al-Shabaab oxygen.”
2017-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7905 (2017) · source
“Unless Somalia can start attracting serious investment and generate domestic revenues, State-building will remain only an aspiration, and the country will remain perilously dependent and vulnerable to weather-related shocks. That will require not only greater institutional capacity but also a settlement between the Government and the private sector. Taxes should be collected by the State, in return for assurances that funds will be accounted for and used to provide basic services, including security and the rule of law. The President and Prime Minister have committed to making improvements in public financial management, transparency and accountability, including vigorous steps to fight corruption, which they see as drivers of insecurity. Those tasks will not be easy. They deserve our support, including incentives for the private sector.”
2017-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7905 (2017) · source
“Preparations must now begin to establish the necessary legal and administrative framework, lay the groundwork for inclusive elections and enable women to compete on equal terms with men. To that end, the United Nations will field a needs-assessment mission this week. The new Government and Parliament now have an opportunity to use the goodwill to reboot efforts to build a functional and inclusive Federal State and to tackle the socioeconomic, structural and political issues that make millions of Somali women, men and children so vulnerable. For a functional and truly sovereign Federal Somalia must find ways to rely less on foreign funds and more on its own resources.”
2017-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7905 (2017) · source
“The elections were largely peaceful and were not derailed by Al-Shabaab. The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali security and intelligence forces did a great job of protecting electoral sites. The presidential election was conducted transparently. The former President, Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, deserves credit for a smooth and peaceful handover. The elation that greeted President Farmajo on 8 February transcended clan and regional lines. The outcome of the process has generated widespread goodwill. As Prime Minister Dessalegn of Ethiopia said, Somalis have made history and set a great example to countries emerging from conflict". The complexity and imperfections of the electoral process have not diminished the expectation that there must be one-person, one-vote elections in 2020.”
2017-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7905 (2017) · source
“The plan is currently 32 per cent funded. Funding and cash-flow constraints prevented a significant increase in response activities at the beginning of the year, and more resources will be needed by the end of March if we are to enable the partners to reach those affected before it is too late. I welcome the recent generous contributions made by many countries in response to the calls from the Somali Government and the United Nations for assistance, including a very generous one from your Government, Mr. President. Had the electoral process not delivered a result accepted as legitimate, drought-response efforts would be much more difficult. Instead, the electoral process has created a sense of hope. The new Parliament is more diverse, and its membership is younger and includes more women than any before it.”
2017-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7905 (2017) · source
“Humanitarian partners are scaling up the response in various ways, including through the private sector and with cash programming in affected areas. More people are now being reached with food aid, nutritional support, health-care services and access to safe water. But much more is needed. The most urgent challenges include funding for immediate lifesaving action, in particular for the cholera response, which has now affected 11 of Somalia's 18 regions. Treatment centres and units are being opened throughout the country, but the disease continues to spread. A rapid expansion of treatment and preventive measures is urgently needed before the rains, which will only exacerbate the problem further. The famine-prevention operational plan is seeking $825 million in order to reach 5.5 million people by June.”
2017-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7905 (2017) · source
“Somalis, including politicians, business people, civil society and members of the diaspora, are taking responsibility for drought response. That distinguishes Somalia from other countries facing humanitarian catastrophe. President Farmajo declared a national disaster within days of taking office. He is using all available platforms to mobilize national and international support. Access remains a challenge, including in areas controlled by Al-Shabaab. But compared to 2011, when 260,000 people died, the scope for responding to the crisis is greater. Cell-phone coverage and money-transfer options have expanded; data on needs and assessment has improved; controls on resources and partner-vetting are stronger; and operational capacities have grown.”
2017-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7905 (2017) · source
“Mr. Keating: As the Secretary-General said on his first field visit since he took office, Somalia is experiencing a moment of both tragedy and hope. Tragedy, because a drought-induced humanitarian crisis is now engulfing the country, with the imminent risk of famine. Hope, because the recent electoral process has created the momentum for fresh political engagement among Somalis. The announcement 48 hours ago of the establishment of the Cabinet, which includes six women, is another important step forward. More than 6 million Somalis - half the total population - are now in need of assistance. Nearly 3 million, mainly women and children, require immediate lifesaving support, and they include growing numbers of displaced people living in miserable conditions.”
2017-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7905 (2017) · source
“I would like to mention that, given the postponements of the electoral process, the review will obviously not be completed by the end of this month. However, we intend to engage with the new Government as soon as possible and to revert to the Council in the coming months. Allow me to conclude by thanking members of the Council for their unified position on Somalia and the support that I and my Office are receiving from them. As I have said before, progress in Somalia is fragile and reversible, and fraught with complexity. But the stage is gradually being set for Somalia to move to a new phase in sustaining peace, preventing and resolving violent conflict and building a functional, Federal State. Ultimately, it is the Somalis who will determine their own fate - but the Council's support is central to their chances of success.”
2017-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7873 (2017) · source
“Significant work remains to be done to improve the country's dismal human rights situation. I am particularly concerned by the plight of children affected by armed conflict and the unacceptable incidence of abduction and forced recruitment by Al-Shabaab. The majority of its militants consist of children deliberately targeted in communities and areas under Al-Shabaab's control. I would like to add my voice to that of Secretary- General Guterres, as he highlighted in his recent report (S/2016/1098) on children and armed conflict, to speak out against that alarming situation. As requested by the Security Council, the United Nations family has started a review of its presence in Somalia, with a view to supporting the next political cycle and, in particular, to addressing the priorities I have just outlined.”
2017-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7873 (2017) · source
“The most high profile are between Somaliland and Somalia, and the dispute in Galkayo, but there are at least half a dozen others, any one of which has the potential to turn violent at great human and political cost. My Somali interlocutors have made it clear that they want the United Nations, working with its AU, EU and Intergovernmental Authority on Development partners, to focus on building Somali capacities to prevent and resolve conflicts and to support reconciliation processes. Grounding that political process in the rule of law, with a strong and constructive role by the new Parliament, could be one of the strongest guarantors of long-term stability and durable governance reform in Somalia. Ordinary Somalis must benefit from our collective efforts.”
2017-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7873 (2017) · source
“Those include the delineation of responsibilities between the President and the Prime Minister and between the Upper House and the House of the People, as well as between the respective roles and responsibilities of the Federal Government and the Federal member states in a range of areas, including resource- and revenue-sharing, the judicial system and the road map towards one-person, one-vote elections. The agreement reached between the Federal Government and member states on policing sets a good precedent; it now needs to be implemented. The constitutional review process is all the more meaningful now that the Federal map of Somalia is complete, with the creation of Hir-Shabelle in November. The electoral process has put into sharp relief the many unresolved disputes and conflicts around the country.”
2017-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7873 (2017) · source
“That effort must draw upon the respective capacities and strengths of the key stakeholders, whether in funding and supporting AMISOM, building Somali national security forces, establishing and extending the rule of law and State authority at the local level or preventing and countering violent extremism. Sustainable security and Somalia's sovereignty require a reduction in its heavy financial dependence upon the outside world, as well as success in raising domestic revenues for the provision of public goods, including the rule of law and security. The international financial institutions have a critical role to strengthen financial management capacities and accountability mechanisms. Another priority is the resumption of the constitutional review process to address critical outstanding political issues.”
2017-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7873 (2017) · source
“The imperative for the incoming President and Government is to reach a political agreement among Somalis regarding the architecture, ownership, funding and purpose of the security forces as the basis for more coherent and coordinated international support by the international community, notably the African Union, the United Nations and its partners. I hope the necessary elements can be put in place by the time of the next high-level conference on Somalia, scheduled to take place in London in May. The African Union and the United Nations are committed to working closely together with major investors, the broader international community and the new Somali Administration on a comprehensive approach to security.”
2017-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7873 (2017) · source
“But even as the financial problem is addressed, the larger issue of sustainable security in Somalia remains, given additional urgency by the stated intention of several troop-contributing countries to leave. Key to this will be building Somali national security forces, whether army, police, maritime or intelligence, that reflect the emerging federal State; that are trusted by all Somalis and not seen as monopolized by certain clans; that are accountable to the political leadership; and that are affordable. Years of investment by the international community have yielded limited results. Al-Shabaab is degraded but remains a potent threat. One reason is that the approach to security has in the past been largely military and operational. That is of course essential, but not enough.”
2017-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7873 (2017) · source
“They will not stay unless the immediate funding issues are addressed and unless they believe that there is a credible plan whereby the Somali security forces and police are able to hold those areas that have been liberated from Al-Shabaab. The 20 per cent cut in the European Union's (EU) generous support for the African Union (AU) in Somalia is a source ofgreat concern. AMISOM. funding needs to be put on a sustainable and predictable basis. I urge the Council to review the options for doing this, including the use of assessed contributions. The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia will no doubt address the Council on these matters, including the need for immediate support for the planned offensive against Al-Shabaab.”
2017-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7873 (2017) · source
“Revenues from the livestock trade are dropping, and financial resources committed to drought response will impact public and security-sector payroll commitments. In a nutshell, failure to support the drought response could halt and even undermine the pursuit of key State-building and peacebuilding objectives. Security-sector reform must not be delayed or derailed. The prospects for peace and stability depend upon Somalis assuming greater political and financial responsibility for their own security. A plan for achieving this is urgently required. AMISOM. and the troop-contributing countries, as they have made clear, will not stay forever. Their presence has been and remains indispensable to securing Somalia, to creating the space for the federal State-building project and to protecting the elections.”
2017-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7873 (2017) · source
“The Famine Early Warning System Network reports that famine is now looming and that urgent action to ramp up assistance and ensure access is needed to mitigate the potential for a large-scale loss of life. The drought also has serious political and security implications. It is exacerbating competition for resources such as water and intensifying local conflicts. The number of displaced persons is visibly growing. Reports and images of malnutrition are circulating on social media. The perceived inability of the federal and local governments to respond will damage their legitimacy and will be exploited by Al-Shabaab. The drought is being cited by Somaliland as a key factor in postponing its elections from March until October.”
2017-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7873 (2017) · source
“Let me name four: reform of the security sector; acceleration of the constitutional review; reconciliation and the resolution of many festering conflicts around the country; and strengthening governance, at both the centre and locally, both to generate revenues and provide services. Unfortunately, there is also a fifth, urgent priority: responding to the current drought. Five million people are estimated to be in need around the country, from Somaliland and Puntland in the north to coastal areas in the centre and Jubaland in the south. An estimated 320,000 children under 5 are acutely malnourished. Coping capacities have been eroded to the point of collapse. The drought response plan seeks $864 million, $300 million of which is required in the first quarter of this year.”
2017-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7873 (2017) · source
“They deserve great credit for fulfilling a dangerous job in very difficult circumstances. The election ofa President accepted as legitimate by the population and by the international community will set the stage for Somalia to tackle the serious challenges ahead. However, if voting for the next President is not secret or seen as compromised by corruption, coercion or external interference, then the country could face a protracted period of uncertainty. This is the last thing Somalia needs. Somalis expect and deserve an administration that will address a number of urgent priorities. Many of these are on the agenda of the presidential candidates, including the incumbent.”
2017-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7873 (2017) · source
“The new Parliament is younger, more diverse and likely to be more responsive to the electorate than the previous one. In short, this Parliament is more legitimate and representative than any since the last elections were held, in 1969. And despite the horrendous attack by Al-Shabaab on a hotel used by parliamentarians in Mogadishu only two days ago, terrorists have been unable to derail the electoral process. This in and of itself is an important message. Mogadishu will remain an unusually target- rich environment until the presidential election is concluded, another reason why the schedule should not be allowed to slip. Let me pay tribute here also to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and to the Somali security and intelligence forces for protecting electoral sites around the country.”
2017-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7873 (2017) · source
“An Upper House has come into existence, its 54 members chosen on a federal State rather than a clan basis. This embodiment of the emerging federal character of Somalia could play a central role in advancing a genuinely national agenda. The number of voters has significantly increased. The electorate was expanded from 135 men in 2012 to more than 13,000 individuals, 30 per cent of whom are women. Almost a quarter of the members of Parliament are now women, a truly remarkable achievement and the result of an effective political mobilization supported by the United Nations and the international community and some Somali leaders. There has been genuine electoral competition. Voting took place in six locations around the country, again reflecting emerging federal State structures.”
2017-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7873 (2017) · source
“The point is that the process was essentially a political one, used for inter- and intra-clan negotiations and reconciliation, and should be in part evaluated as such. The electoral features were essential, as they set the stage for the move to universal suffrage. These lessons must be addressed in planning the one-person, one-vote elections scheduled for 2020. The National Independent Electoral Commission needs to be empowered, a voter registry established and a robust legal mechanism put in place to adjudicate disputes and sanction abusive behavior. Efforts in this regard must begin as soon as the electoral process concludes. Despite the problems it has faced, the process has had very encouraging outcomes and marks an important milestone in Somalia's evolution and post- conflict transformation.”
2017-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7873 (2017) · source