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 electoral process has held up a mirror to Somalis in which they have seen the good and the bad regarding how power is exercised, the relationship between elders, clan power brokers, politicians, business, ordinary citizens, women and men. They do not like everything they have seen, least of all the levels of corruption and the absence of institutions that can ensure legal and financial accountability. Many important lessons have been learned. The ad hoc electoral bodies have done a remarkable job, but had difficulties withstanding political pressure, threats and inducements. The electoral timetable was subject to repeated delays, often because the process was used to try to resolve very long-standing disputes between clans, states and other actors.”
2017-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7873 (2017) · source
“It is also essential that the last stage of this process be conducted transparently, according to the rules that have been agreed and that have been designed to ensure a free and fair election. All candidates must honour the provisions ofthe code of conduct they signed when registering their candidacy. This is particularly important because the parliamentary stage of the process was marred by several instances of malpractice, including bribery and vote-buying, harassment and intimidation, and manipulation as well as repeated and protracted delays. Some were high-profile and egregious, though the majority of contests were correctly conducted. They were widely watched, including through social media.”
2017-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7873 (2017) · source
“Mr. Keating: We meet at an auspicious moment, at the conclusion of an extended and exhaustive parliamentary electoral process and just 12 days before the election of a new President. We also meet at a time when Al-Shabaab is doing everything it can to discredit and disrupt the process, as we are seeing in Mogadishu and in the attack in Kulbiyo today. Allow me to extend my deepest condolences to the families of the soldiers and civilians whose lives have been lost. An immediate priority is to ensure that the date set by the Joint Federal Election Committee for the presidential vote is adhered to. The date has been set on technical grounds, and pressures to change it on political grounds should be resisted.”
2017-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7873 (2017) · source
“But if all goes well, the stage is set for the Somalis to take their country to a new level of membership of the international community in the coming months.”
2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source
“Other key priorities, beyond the electoral process, include the review and finalization of the federal constitution, agreement on revenue and resource management and sharing, preparations for one-person one-vote elections in 2020, which will be a formidable undertaking, and steps to attract both private and public international investment, including through debt relief. So there is no shortage of tasks at hand, but progress towards them is encouraging. Allow me to conclude by thanking the members of the Security Council for their unified position on Somalia and for the advice and support that I continue to receive. We are determined to ensure that the electoral process is implemented, fully aware of the risks, with no further delays, and we are aware of the consequences ifit is not seen as legitimate and complete.”
2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source
“I am delighted that the Government issued a national strategy and action plan for the preventing and countering of violent extremism only two weeks ago. A major priority now is to define and implement a plan for structuring and strengthening the Somali national security forces, at the same time as strengthening the capacity of security forces to accompany AMISOM. in taking the fight back to Al-Shabaab. The AU Commissioner for Peace and Security has said that AMISOM'S transition will begin in October 2018. There is therefore no time to lose to build capable, accountable and affordable security forces trusted by all Somalis.”
2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source
“Its status will need to be resolved, like so much else, through the constitutional review. But its political value as a forum for bringing the country's leadership together, both from the Federal Government and regional states, is beyond doubt. That has been evident recently in the security field, not only in approving the new policing model, consistent with Somalia's federal architecture, but in its latest meeting two weeks ago, by deciding to establish a National Security Committee. That provides the international community a docking point for advancing a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses policing, community recovery and the extension of State authority, and efforts to counter violent extremism.”
2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source
“Central to continued progress will be the arduous task of establishing institutions that are both capable and trusted by all Somalis. Accountable governance and capacity across the board is at the heart of the State-building agenda. The good news is that many of the conflicts between clans and power-brokers that have plagued Somalia over the past decades have been converted into politics. Administrative capacity is gradually being established around the emerging federal architecture - an architecture that did not exist a few years ago - and the political basis for that institutional capacity, whether to strengthen the rule of law, generate revenues, provide public services, fight corruption or improve security, is broadening. An important development has been the emergence of the National Leadership Forum as a key decision-making body.”
2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source
“The July visit of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict reinforced advocacy with both the Federal Government and the Government of Puntland regarding the need to uphold international law, particularly the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Somalia ratified last year. Yesterday, the Puntland authorities told my Deputy that they would immediately transfer all children under 15 to a rehabilitation centre and revisit the death sentences that were handed down. The challenges are considerable but, crucially, progress is being made in almost every domain. On 10 September, IGAD held a meeting of Heads of State and Government in Mogadishu- the first such summit on Somali soil in 42 years. The significance and psychological impact of this should not be underestimated.”
2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source
“On 4 September, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia, along with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, issued a public report on freedom of expression. While significant, commendable legal and institutional measures are being put in place by the Somali leadership - including the passage of the national human rights commission law - the fact is that harassment and intimidation of journalists, members of Parliament and civil society actors remains widespread. The situation of women and children, including children captured from Al-Shabaab and sentenced to death, is of grave concern.”
2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source
“Somalia has also seen the repatriation of an unprecedented number of refugees from Dadaab in neighbouring Kenya. This has raised anxieties about Somalia's ability to absorb returnees, given an internally displaced population already estimated at more than 1 million and extremely fragile host communities. Efforts are under way, involving federal and federal member state authorities, as well as the United Nations and partners, to pursue durable solutions. Concerns are also increasing about the growing number of people - now close to 5 million - suffering from malnutrition and food insecurity. I regret to say that only 32 per cent of the humanitarian response plan has been funded at this point. And Somalis continue to face multiple human rights deficits.”
2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source
“Allow me to recognize IGAD's valiant efforts in that regard. Violence remains a feature of life for too many people. Al-Shabaab has continued to mount spectacular attacks against soft targets, notably in Mogadishu. The most egregious of these were on 21 August in Galkayo and on 30 August against the Somali Youth League hotel in Mogadishu. Civilians have been the main victims. These attacks have underscored the urgency of efforts both to degrade, defeat and dismantle Al Shabaab and to address the conditions that make it possible for the group to survive. AMISOM. remains vital to Somalia's security. Its troops are paying a heavy price to bring security to the country. They need to be supported in their effort to take the fight to Al Shabaab- controlled areas.”
2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source
“All this has been organized at great speed, in the absence of national institutional capacity and with little local experience of organizing anything on this scale for many decades. I am therefore under no illusion about the challenges ahead and the scope for things to go awry, but if we remain vigilant and unified this process could mark a positive, watershed moment for Somalia. The road to peace and stability in Somalia will still be a long one. The FIEIT declaration that the voting for the regions of Hiraan and Middle Shabelle should take place in Mogadishu rather than in those two regions risks deepening clan differences related to the formation of the last remaining proto-federal member state. Efforts must therefore continue to advance an inclusive and, ultimately, sustainable state formation process in Hiraan and Middle Shabelle.”
2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source
“The process includes not just a secret ballot and instantaneous communication of results, but also other measures put in place with United Nations technical support to bolster the credibility of the process. These include a code of conduct for all candidates - parliamentary and presidential - and the creation of an electoral dispute resolution mechanism. The latter is now being established with, significantly, the inclusion of advisors provided by the international community. There shall also be electoral monitors provided by the African Union, the European Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, as well as local Somali organizations.”
2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source
“And there have been a number of hard-won provisions to realize the commitment made by the National Leadership Forum to 30 per cent seats being reserved for women. Even though the numbers involved may seem relatively modest, this is a complicated process requiring a high degree of dedication, organizational capacity and some bravery to implement. The security and logistical challenges alone are considerable. Allow me to pay tribute here to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali security authorities for planning and protecting the process. There are likely to be attacks by Al-Shabaab, and possibly violence instigated by others.”
2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source
“And yet, this process has electoral features that are critical to Somalia's aspiration to undertake one-person/one-vote elections in 2020, and that signify the overall progress that Somalia has made since 2012. These features include the election of a new Upper House on a geographical, not just clan basis; a step away from the so-called 4.5 formula; the conduct of the election in at least five locations around the country, not just Mogadishu; genuine competition for seats in both houses; the establishment of an independent implementation body; and the setting of clear rules of the game. They also include the broadening of the electoral college fromjust 135 men in 2012 to more than 14,000 citizens, 30 per cent of whom must be women and 20 per cent youth.”
2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source
“There has been a tendency among many actors to try and resolve long- standing and highly complex political issues through this process, including - to name just a few - the status of the federal capital, Somaliland, Hiraan and Middle Shabelle, the role ofpolitical parties, corruption and illicit financial flows, the rights of minorities, and women's long fight forjustice and equality . The electoral model is imperfect. No one is entirely happy with it, and that may be a good sign. It is literally extraordinary - a one-off never to be repeated again. It took over a year to fashion, in an exhaustive process that included unprecedented public consultations.”
2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source
“Against the backdrop of an additional delay, it will nonetheless be critical to avoid an institutional vacuum while, at the same time stressing that this should be a de facto caretaker period, with no major decisions or declarations by any of the existing institutions. The 2016 electoral process is a novel and exciting experience for a country that last held national elections in 1969. It is best described as a political process with electoral features, rather than just as an election. Every aspect of the electoral model has been politically negotiated, with many painful compromises made between interest groups and clans.”
2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source
“Much preparatory work has been completed and implementation has in fact begun. Registration of the 14,000 delegates and hundreds of parliamentary candidates is in progress. In parallel, the nomination of candidates for the new federal Upper House is under way. There is a further challenge. Under the constitution, the mandate of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was to have ended by 10 September. The Security Council, in its presidential statement of 19 August (S/PRST/2016/13), noted the National Leadership Forum's consensual decision to extend the current mandates of the federal institutions to respect the electoral calendar adopted in early August.”
2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source
“The Council repeatedly stressed that Somalia must avoid an extension of the constitutionally mandated term limits, but the Council has also emphasized the importance of a transparent, inclusive, fair and credible process that yields a Somali Government and Parliament enjoying enhanced legitimacy. There is a creative tension between doing this as thoroughly as possible and doing it on time. Parliamentary elections will now take place between 23 October and 10 November, and the presidential election by 30 November. What is most critical at this point is that the new extension does not create additional space for manipulation or disruption by spoilers. Rather, the urgency and momentum must be maintained and the additional time used to ensure that the process is as transparent and credible as possible.”
2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source
“The scope for political manipulation of the process remains high, but having closely accompanied the work of the FIEIT and its regional counterparts, the state-level indirect electoral implementation teams, I believe that this further delay was not orchestrated by any actor seeking immediate political benefit. Indeed, the FIEIT insisted that it needed more time over the objections of powerful political actors, including presidential candidates, the international community and this very Council. The President has actually shared his concerns about the delay with me, as have other leading actors.”
2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source
“Mr. Keating: Much has happened since the Council visited Mogadishu on 19 May. Let me begin straight away with what is no doubt for all of us the immediate concern - the electoral process - before I turn to related developments in Somalia. About 24 hours ago, the Federal Indirect Electoral Implementation Team (FIEIT) announced that Somalia's electoral process would require an additional 30 days, culminating in the election of a new President of the Federal Republic by the end of November. The renewed delay raises a number of fears. Let me name just two: first, that the process is being politically manipulated, and secondly, that this delay may only be one of yet further rolling delays.”
2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source
“We must therefore do our best to make sure that the progress is not reversed, to get the electoral process for 2016 completed and the elections in 2020 prepared; to build the national capacity of the Somalis to take over from AMISOM; and to generate the jobs and revenues for a sustainable State. Our - and my - efforts to do that depend in large part upon the unity of the Council, for which I must thank members. It also depends upon the coherence of the broader international community, not only the African Union but also the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the European Union and Somalia's principal bilateral partners. I look forward to the visit of the Security Council next month and to joining the leaders of Somalia to ensure a brighter future for all Somalis.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“The resources neededto tackle the problem are immeasurably less than the costs Iater - whether measured in money or, more important, lives. Somali authorities have established national and regional drought committees to raise funds and coordinate the response, but that is not enough. Humanitarian organizations have received only $145 million of the $885 million callled for in the consolidated appeal for 2016. On 31 March, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, Peter de Clercq, launched a call for aid seeking $105 million to step up drought response. Donors are responding, for which we are grateful, but so much more is needed. The challenges faced by Somalis are formidable. The progress is real, but reversible. The state-formation and electoral processes remain vulnerable to spoilers. AMISOM. needs more support and cannot stay forever.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“It is a formidable agenda and requires commitment both by Somalia's political and traditional leaders, as well as concerted support from its neighbours and international partners. It also requires addressing short-term realities. One of those is drought, now affecting Somaliland and Puntland. Droughts in 2011 triggered a famine that resulted in the deaths of some 260,000 people. That must not happen again. On top of acute food insecurity, continuing drought could have a negative impact on broader security - strengthening Islamistjihadists currently on the back foot in those areas - and increase displacement and migrant flows. Timely and appropriate action now will mitigate the possibility of another catastrophe.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“We are grateful to the Deputy Secretary-General for calling upon Somalia's external creditors to accelerate preparations for in-depth discussions on eligibility, as outlined at the Spring Meetings Somalia Roundtable of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, held in Washington, DC, last week. Somalia's security and prosperity depend upon success in reversing dependency upon aid and in addressing the root causes of fragility, conflict and violent extremism. A comprehensive political strategy is required that embraces economic investment in the drivers of growth, job creation and education, including for girls and women; and in the rule of law, respect for human rights, and capable security and counter- terrorism forces.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“Recognizing that situation, last week the International Monetary Fund announced its intention to propose a staff-monitored programme, intended to help Somalia to establish the track record required to begin the process of debt relief, and eventually eligibility for concessional lending from international financial institutions. The Federal Government is central to moving that agenda forward. Success would yield benefits for all parts of the country, helping to attract both public and private investment in areas that will boost Somalia's competitiveness and ability to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“Building greater trust and identifying the mutual benefits to be derived from stronger relationships between the State and businesses could yield enormous benefits, including the strengthening of institutions that can deliver greater security, financial accountability, a favourable macroeconomic and regulatory environment and basic services, such as energy, education and vocational training. Those are in the interests both of businesses and of young Somalis, most of whom lack job prospects. Somalia continues to make progress in economic management. An anti-money-laundering bill was signed into law in February. Empty seats on the Central Bank Board have been filled. While there is still a long way to go, including tackling corruption and reducing financial leakage, the current direction is encouraging.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“It includes roles and responsibilities at both the Federal and state levels and accountability to civilian authorities. I share the President's concerns about the inconsistent payment of salaries to security-sector personnel. Last month, international security partners met with the President and the Minister of Finance to discuss the coordination of salaries and stipends. Timely and regular pay by electronic means and the transfer to a unified biometric registration system is the way forward. There is also scope for greater coherence on the part of international partners to support the Somali security sector on the basis of the security architecture and plans currently under discussion. Somalia's economy is dependant upon favourable weather and the entrepreneurship of its people, including in the diaspora.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“I am therefore pleased that the Federal Government has developed a national threat assessment and national security policy. Those have been shared with the regional authorities within the country. Hopefully, recommendations will be agreed upon at the next National Leadership Forum, to be held in May. Detailed work will still have to be done on financially sustainable plans for the military, police and justice and corrections systems. Political subscription to a national security architecture must be complemented by police, justice and corrections models that are appropriate for Somalia's unique circumstances and its Federal future. I am delighted to report that a new policing model emerged last month from consultations among the Federal Government and regional states and administrations.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“Compacts between me and the Head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), as well as between the Head of UNSOS and the Special Representative, are being finalized for the delivery of support to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and to AMISOM, respectively. We are committed to implementing the human rights due diligence policy, to promoting respect for broader human rights and to following up on allegations and ensuring accountability. The capacity of UNSOS itself is being strengthened, including through the deployment of a team of United Kingdom military experts beginning this month. The Federal President is committed to strengthening Somali security capabilities. I applaud him for that. It is a complex and sensitive issue, but absolutely fundamental to State-building and to consolidating progress.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“There is a recognition that command-and-control arrangements and force headquarters must be strengthened, including by placing critical enablers under the Force Commander's tasking authority. I hope that a new Force Commander will be in place soon. I have just come from Addis Ababa, where the first meeting of the African Union-United Nations Joint Task Force on strengthening AMISOM was held. It will advance our combined efforts to meet the shortfall in AMISOM. funding, to strengthen its capacity and to secure the electoral process. The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union and I have identified common strategic objectives, in line with resolution 2245 (2015).”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“Although facing significant casualties, Al-Shabaab continues to carry out repeated asymmetric and conventional attacks. They will try to disrupt an electoral process that they correctly view as threatening their agenda. I pay tribute to the bravery of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and its troops and to the courage of the Somali security forces and the Somali people in confronting Al-Shabaab. They need and deserve our continued support. The trilateral partnership of the Federal Government, the African Union and the United Nations remains a cornerstone of the peacebuilding and State-building endeavour in Somalia. I am encouraged by the commitments made by the AMISOM. troop-contributing countries when they met in Djibouti in February.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“Some major issues may be addressed only after the electoral process, but there already have been significant developments. The rule of law and its centrepiece, the Federal Constitution, will be the strongest guarantees of long-term stability and democracy in Somalia. The fact that progress has been taking place amid great insecurity is another reason that such progress could be reversible. Too many civilians and too many soldiers are dying. Al-Shabaab remains a potent threat. An Al-Shabaab incursion into the coastal area of Puntland in mid-March highlighted the vulnerability of the north. It also beamed a spotlight on the recruitment practices and abuse of children by Al-Shabaab, which is beyond appalling. The attack was contained thanks to the swift actions of Puntland's forces and the support of the Federal Government.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“We hope that the formation of the next state administration will take place soon and will set the stage for agreeing on the status of the Federal capital. The breakthrough in the electoral process is generating broader momentum. The technical review of Somalia's provisional Federal Constitution has advanced. The first reading of constitutional amendments in Parliament took place in February. Regional consultations are now under way. Politically contentious issues are scheduled to be discussed at the next Leadership Forum meeting, to be held in May. That discussion will immediately precede a 10- day National Constitutional Conference, to be held in Garoowe, Puntland. That activity amounts to a historic opportunity for all Somalis to contribute to shaping the political and legal foundations of their country.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“The 2016 electoral model will be unique, a one-off. It is in every sense a midway point between the elections of 2012, when just 135 electors selected 275 members of Parliament, and 2020, when all Somalis will have a say. Work is now under way to that end. Somali leaders have agreed to adopt a political road map for the period 2016 to 2020, including civil voter registration, boundary demarcation, the strengthening ofindependent electoral bodies and the preparation of the relevant legislation, including that relating to political parties. There are many outstanding issues. The state-formation process in Hiraan and Middle Shabelle has encountered difficulties and delays. The international community is eager to support an inclusive agreement reached among clan leaders in both regions.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“Much remains to be done in a very short period. For example, the admirable commitment to reserve 30 per cent of parliamentary seats for women necessitates the identification of specific seats, in a balanced manner, to be contested exclusively by women. Achieving that commitment in practice will not be easy in a clan- based model, but it could mark a major milestone in making women's political empowerment and leadership a reality. Once the Cabinet has formalized the National Leadership Forum decision, it will go to the Federal Parliament. We call upon Parliament to expedite its endorsement of the model to allow for timely implementation. And I welcome the continued commitment by Somali leaders, in line with the Council's expectations that there will be no extension of constitutionally mandated term limits.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“That significant achievement paves the way for practical planning. I commend the statesmanship shown by the National Leadership Forum, and I welcome the Federal Government's engagement of Puntland to address its concerns in the agreement signed in Garowe on 3 April, which cleared the way forward. The electoral process envisaged for 2016 will be significantly different to that of 2012. The electoral college Will be 100 times larger. There will be a genuine choice of candidates. Voting will take place not just in Mogadishu, but in each of the capitals, or seats of Government, of the existing and emerging Federal member states. A two-tier structure made up of Federal and state-level representatives will implement the process. And 30 per cent of the seats in Parliament are being reserved for women.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“Mr. Keating: It is an honour to be here with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Allow me to begin by acknowledging the unfailing cooperation and friendship that he has extended to me and to recognize his leadership role at this pivotal moment in Somalia's history. The last time I addressed the Security Council (see S/PV.76l4) I had only been on the job for a few days. I said then that success in 2016 would depend upon seizing opportunities that political progress could bring about. Over the past several weeks, the President and leaders of Somalia have done just that, and progress, though not irreversible, is being made. Last week Somalia leaders from all Federal member states and iterim regional administrations reached agreement on the electoral model to be used later this year.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“The Council has my commitment and that of the entire United Nations team that we will support the leaders and people of Somalia to realize their goal ofa peaceful, prosperous and democratic future. I hope to achieve more before the high-level partnership forum in Istanbul and look forward to seeing members there in February.”
2016-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7614 (2016) · source
“As I have outlined here, the challenges are manifold. In the coming months I will work with Somali leaders, civil society and the international community to support a comprehensive approach embracing political, security, development and human rights priorities. The exciting thing is that increasingly politics is displacing violence as a means of resolving differences among Somalis. There is an eager desire to advance and leave the suffering and divisions of the past behind. Let me conclude by saying that the unity of the Security Council and the coherence of the broader international community provides a powerful basis for the United Nations and our African Union partners to make a decisive contribution to Somalia's future.”
2016-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7614 (2016) · source
“We are committed to taking full advantage of the creation of UNSOS, and the opportunities that affords for greater coherence and effectiveness. We share a commitment to implementation of the United Nations Human Rights Due Diligence Policy with respect to United Nations support to non-United Nations security forces, which remains an important tool to promote respect for human rights and ensure accountability in a volatile military context. If its are objectives to be met, a strong working partnership with AMISOM, as well as with the individual troop- contributing countries is essential, including to follow up on allegations and ensure accountability. That is in all our interests. Human rights violations will erode the population's support for AMISOM. and for the Somali Federal Government.”
2016-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7614 (2016) · source
“The federalization process must not just be a top- down, mechanical exercise; to succeed in the long term, it must be an endeavour in which all the people of Somalia have a real stake. There is much left to do to ensure reconciliation and unity. Freedom of expression and opinion has been challenged in recent months, and I call upon the Somali authorities to respect that freedom. Ambassador Madeira and I are looking forward to strengthening and deepening the working relationship between the United Nations and the African Union on the ground. In line with resolution 2245 (2015), we will convene a senior leadership coordination forum among UNSOM, AMISOM. and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) to discuss our strategic and operational priorities.”
2016-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7614 (2016) · source
“Spoiler behaviour will need to be contained. And we must be ready to provide assistance to federal and regional leaders. Real momentum could and should result from the breakthrough that has been achieved today. That could spur other critical political processes. I welcome the launch of the state formation process in Hiraan and Shabelle Dhexe on 12 January. Once that process is finished and the status of Mogadishu Banadir is clarified, the map of the new, federal Somalia will be complete. Progress has also been made in recent months on the review of the Provisional Federal Constitution. A technical review of 10 of its 15 chapters has been completed, and the major political issues to be addressed are now much clearer.”
2016-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7614 (2016) · source
“It is Somali-led and Somali-owned. Unity among international partners in support of the process leading to that decision has been exemplary. International partners will need to work with Somali stakeholders to ensure its timely implementation. I hope I have the support of the Security Council in that endeavour. The decision marks an important milestone for Somalia, the Federal Government and the leaders of the federal member states. There are many more ahead. The journey is going to be long and bumpy. Much work remains to be done on the details related to the implementation of the electoral model and to ensure agreement of a political road map for the period from 2016 to 2020, to deliver universal elections by that date. We must navigate around potential obstacles and will face obstructions along the way.”
2016-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7614 (2016) · source
“Leaders of the Somali regions, while many differences and concerns remain, recognize its importance. As I speak, they are engaged in discussions around its implementation. Reaching a decision on the electoral model was not easy. Following repeated rounds of consultations among Somali leaders, in Kismayo and Mogadishu, and prolonged deadlock, the leaders of the Federal Government recognized that the national interest demands forward momentum. The model envisages that a lower house of 275 members, based on maintenance of the 4.5 power-sharing formula between the clans, and an upper house of 54 members, based on equal representation of the existing, emerging and prospective federal member states and the allocation of additional seats to the pre-existing entities of Puntland and Somaliland. This is a Somali-devised model.”
2016-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7614 (2016) · source
“That signalled a decisive step forward towards democracy: transparent and inclusive consultations on an electoral model for 2016, with the active participation of women, youth and minorities. The Mogadishu Declaration of 16 December 2015 outlined key principles, including on term limits, the quality of the electoral process and the participation and representation of women and youth. It therefore gives me particular pleasure to share some breaking news with the Council. This morning, a decision was taken by the Somali Cabinet on the electoral model to be used later this year. That is the culmination of almost six months of intense consultations. It may be a watershed moment, marking the growing political maturity of a federal Somalia. The Federal Government has taken a bold decision.”
2016-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7614 (2016) · source
“Millions lack access to basic health care, water and sanitation. The Somalia humanitarian country team recently launched the humanitarian response plan for 2016 with a total requirement of $885 million to save lives, strengthen livelihoods, improve access to basic services and protect vulnerable groups, including by seeking durable solutions for the internally displaced. The overarching objective is both to meet pressing need, build resilience and reduce dependence on humanitarian aid. It needs to be generously supported. All our efforts will be conditional upon political progress. Last November, thousands of Somalis across the country, from all walks oflife, took part in a national consultative forum.”
2016-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7614 (2016) · source
“The establishment of a national security architecture must be complemented by the establishment of clear police, justice and corrections models for Somalia in the context of federalism, not least as the basis for coordinated support by international partners. I hope we see progress on that set of issues before the High- level Partnership Forum, to be held next month in Istanbul. The humanitarian situation remains worrisome. The underlying causes of Somalia's protracted crisis remain unresolved. Millions of children, women and elderly people are acutely vulnerable. In total, some 4.9 million people, representing 40 per cent of the total population, are in need of humanitarian assistance. Over 1.1 million people remain internally displaced. Some 300,000 children under the age of five are acutely malnourished.”
2016-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7614 (2016) · source
“That needs to be complemented by work to strengthen institutions, generate jobs in the private sector and reduce dependence upon humanitarian aid. Security remains a paramount concern. Too many Civilians and too many soldiers are dying. Al-Shabaab remains a present threat. I am encouraged by the commitments made on security-sector reform by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in September 2015, including a comprehensive review of the sector, timely and adequate pay by electronic means and transfer to a unified biometric registration system. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and its partners stand ready to support those important initiatives. The Federal Government is currently developing a national security policy, which is urgently required.”
2016-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7614 (2016) · source