YouSaid · the spoken record

Madeira

lines on the record: 377
first: 2003-11-20
most recent: 2022-05-23
sittings or episodes: 24
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

“That has been achieved thanks to the Somali-led efforts, combined with the courage and sacrifice of AMISOM personnel, supported by its international partners. Those joint efforts have led to two successive peaceful transfers of power in the elections of 2012 and 2016 — a task that we are now repeating this year. We have also continued to degrade Al-Shabaab since 2007, creating the necessary political space for progress on reconciliation, State-building and peacebuilding to take place. However, with those achievements and, more importantly, the growing capacity of the Somali security institutions to take the lead, we must now build a consensus on the African Union’s future engagement in Somalia post-2021. In that context, the African Union undertook an independent assessment.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“I want to note that such an inclusion would highlight the spirit of cooperation that exists between the Somali security forces and the AMISOM uniformed personnel. As we continue to update the Somali transition plan progress report through consultations ahead of its final submission to the Security Council in October, we look forward to the upcoming high-level Security and Justice Committee meeting. It is our belief that that high- level meeting will allow us to share our harmonized plans on how to continue to support the Somali forces to extend security control across the country and the resources and assistance that would be required from key partners, including the African Union itself. Over the past 14 years, Somalia has witnessed significant progress in the establishment of security and other State institutions throughout the country.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“The African Union remains committed to contributing to the strengthening of the capacity of Somalia’s security institutions. We view that as the only way for Somalia to sustainably take control of the security of its own country. It is for that reason that we have actively supported and continue to implement the revised Somali transition plan. In that regard, we take note of the Federal Government’s Somali transition plan progress report, shared with the international partners in July. Although the Somali transition plan progress report identifies the key achievements and outputs recorded from January to June, we would have liked the report to include more details on the activities and achievements of AMISOM’s uniformed personnel in implementing the Somali transition plan.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“With regard to mentoring in Mogadishu, the Somali National Army (SNA) deployed a SNA liaison officer to act as an adviser to AMISOM’s Force Commander. Recently, a team of SNA staff officers completed a mentoring programme facilitated by AMISOM, with the focus on intelligence collection and communication. In line with resolution 2568 (2021), together with the SNA, we are making progress on our reconfiguration plans. To implement that key task, both AMISOM and the SNA harmonized their operational plans, with increasing results. I can report that we have now established joint operations coordination centres across all AMISOM sectors. Those Joint Operations Centres are now in the process of being equipped and will soon be fully operational.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“We continue to see some progress in the implementation of the Somali transition plan, but equally the continuation of joint offensive and targeted operations. Key operations were AMISOM’s support to the Somali security forces in Biyo-Cadale, Balad and Bulo Burti in Juba and in Shabelle, while this August, we have jointly conducted operations in Wajid in South- West. In addition. AMISOM’s presence across its sectors has allowed for the prioritization of the main population centres. That has resulted in the Somali security forces being free and able to conduct independent operations. I commend and encourage such operations, as they demonstrate the increase in capacity of the Somali security forces to take over security responsibilities and to effectively strike Al-Shabaab.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“In addition, in an attempt to disrupt the elections we have uncovered the groups carrying out kidnappings, public executions and assassinations. I am also concerned over reports of Al-Shabaab using intimidation tactics against local elders, urging them to refrain from participating in the elections. To mitigate and disrupt Al-Shabaab’s election plans, AMISOM has taken urgent and immediate steps. Some such steps include maintaining vigilance at all our forward operating bases and enhancing the protection of very important persons, increasing our intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance coverage, enhancing joint operations with our mobile forces and enhancing our main-supply-route patrols.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“Elsewhere, across Jubaland and South-West, the AMISOM police continue to support the capacity-building of the state police on key election-related courses, such as counter- terrorism during the elections and election security management, while in Mogadishu we have provided training on community policing during elections. With the elections being in the early phase, we are in a critical period in Somalia, where our collective focus must be to prevent Al-Shabaab from disrupting the ongoing electoral process. In the period under review, Al-Shabaab demonstrated continued resilience, employing sinister tactics, both in Mogadishu and beyond, in AMISOM’s area of operations. We continue to observe the use of indirect fire, with Al-Shabaab modifying its mortars for maximum deadly impact, as seen recently in July against AMISOM’s base in Mogadishu.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“In that context, I am grateful for the contribution of the AMISOM police and the Somali Police Force in enhancing security around Djihunga and providing Somali leaders with a conducive security environment during the consultations that led to the 27 May agreement. More recently, in Kismaayo and Baidoa, the AMISOM police supported their Somali Police Force colleagues in securing the elections for the initial seats for the Upper House. Together, in June, they conducted joint security assessment missions in Garbahaarrey and South-West’s South Galkayo, and they returned to Galkayo and Garbahaarrey this week to complete urgent security measures, which will be presented to the newly created national electoral security committee, chaired by the Prime Minister.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“I am also pleased to report that in line with the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, the African Union has approved Somalia’s request for budgetary support for its elections. Beyond that support, I can report that the African Union Continental Logistics Base in Douala, Cameroon, will be donating equipment to the Team to complement and expand its capacity to deliver on the elections. African Union Peace and Security Council communiqué 978 of this year highlights AMISOM’s role in election security, particularly with regard to providing support to the Federal Government and the federal member states.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“As such, under the new African Union Department for Political Affairs, Peace and Security strategic pillars, our election support now extends beyond security to include the provision of capacity-building, technical advisory functions and direct budgetary support. Since my most recent briefing (see S/PV.8779), our civilian staff have increased their capacity-building and advocacy engagement with local communities and civil-society organizations, including women’s and youth organizations across Somalia, with the aim of ensuring their participation in the elections. At the request of the Federal Elections Implementation Team, we will be deploying African Union-rostered election experts in the coming days.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“Similarly, in a continued effort at reconciliation and national unity, the Federal Government and federal member states leaders have not relented on their meetings since the 27 May agreement, regularly convening both presential and virtual National Consultative Council summits. I am encouraged by the fact that those sustained discussions are contributing to enhancing good faith. They have seen the leaders recommit to the national agenda and to holding a trusted electoral process without further delay. Regarding the contribution of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to the ongoing elections, we remain committed to supporting Somalia, as stipulated in African Union Peace and Security Council communiqué 978 of 2021.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“It was with great pleasure that we witnessed the start of the process, with the election of some of the members of the Upper House for Jubaland, South-West, Puntland and Galmudug federal member states. We commend the Somali leaders on those very important milestones. While acknowledging the delays in kick-starting the elections, the African Union is encouraged by the efforts that have gone into their preparation. That includes the work of the Federal Elections Implementation Team, working in close cooperation with the Office of the Prime Minister. We have also seen progress with the federal member states ministerial committee on the Garbahaarrey reconciliation and equally welcomed the appointment of goodwill ambassadors to promote the women’s 30 per cent quota, an important issue championed by the African Union Commission.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“Mr. Madeira: I thank you, Mr. President, for the invitation to brief the Security Council on the situation in Somalia once again. Of course, it is with great pleasure that I join my good friend Ambassador Swan in this briefing. Today I am pleased, as he is, to report that the political stalemate that we witnessed over the past several months has been replaced with positive developments in Somalia. Somali leaders are enhancing their focus on the issues that unite them and speaking with one voice on elections. As is already history, on 27 May, after Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble convened a weeklong National Consultative Council summit, Somali leaders announced that they had reached an agreement on the modalities for the implementation of the 17 September agreement and the Baidoa technical committee proposals.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“As such, we will continue to make concerted efforts towards the completion of the constitutional review and to promote our joint initiative to encourage the resumption of the dialogue between the Federal Government of the Somalia and the federal member states in order to support Somalia’s efforts to hold national elections, on the basis of the 17 September agreement and the Baidoa recommendations, without further delay. In order to sustain progress in the implementation of the African Union objectives and mandate in Somalia, AMISOM requires appropriate logistical and financial support. In that vein, I wish to extend my appreciation to all partners for their continued financial and logistical support to AMISOM.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“The continuation of our concerted and complementary efforts to generate, help rebuild, capacitate, empower and bring cohesion and unity of purpose to the Somali security forces remain a crucial necessity if we are to maintain the achievements I mentioned and successfully realize the transition plan, as approved by the Government, and the contents of resolution 2568 (2021). I wish to reaffirm the African Union’s continued commitment to peace and security in Somalia and to welcome the ongoing partnership and collaboration in our quest for peace, stability and development in the country. Somalia is a member of the African Union and will remain so.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“It enabled key security and stabilization stakeholders to work together towards agreeing a harmonized operational plan, including the establishment of joint operations coordination cells at the sector level, whose implementation will be assessed and ensured through, inter alia, the resumption of joint sector visits and improved coordination with relevant partners through the mission coordination group and the quarterly activities implementation review. Al-Shabaab remains a potent and ruthless enemy. There is continued need to protect the populations from Al-Shabaab attacks, secure the main supply routes and maintain and extend the physical space in which the Government can establish its presence and extend its authority. There is a need to continue to hold and protect areas liberated from Al-Shabaab and to preserve the gains accumulated.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“The handover of the Afgooye forward operating base to the Somali National Army, counter-attack operations against Al-Shabaab at Barire and Awdheegle on 3 and 4 April, as well as stepping up operations in Ceel Marka on 3 April, were some of the other activities and joint operations with the Somali National Army during the period under consideration. In the same vein, I can report that tremendous efforts have been made in the implementation of the revised objectives and tasks set out in resolution 2568 (2021). In that regard, AMISOM held the first quarter sector commanders’ conference on 14 and 15 April, also attended by the Somali National Army leadership, United Nations and other partners.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“In the short to medium term, the security situation is likely to remain volatile as Al-Shabaab attempts to disrupt the electoral process and take advantage of any perceived political tension to prepare and launch operations and attacks, both in Mogadishu and in the federal member states. In line with resolution 2568 (2021), AMISOM, jointly with the Somali security forces, made significant progress in the process of planning, coordinating and conducting joint operations to disrupt, degrade and deny Al-Shabaab and armed opposition groups freedom of movement and action. Key among those operations in the period under consideration was the opening of the Xuddur-Buulobarde main supply route to facilitate the safe movement of people and goods and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Xuddur community.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“With regard to security, the situation over the past four months remained relatively unpredictable. Al-Shabaab has continued to operate asymmetrically by launching attacks, including vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices-initiated complex attacks, probing attacks, grenade and mortar attacks, sniping, ambushes, targeted attacks and the assassination of senior Government officials, security forces and civilians. The militant-enabling activities include, among other things, the infiltration of Amniyat operatives into major cities, with special emphasis on Mogadishu; the extortion of civilians; aerial drone reconnaissance surveillance of friendly forces’ positions; and the recruitment and training of militants.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“We are really encouraged by the news that things are going very well at the hangar in Mogadishu. AMISOM has continued to deliver on its election-related responsibilities, particularly with regard to the provision of election security, training and technical support. In this respect, AMISOM has continued to provide operational support, strategic advice and institutional capacity-building to the Somali police and sustained coordination between its civilian component and their counterparts in Government, both at the Federal Government of Somalia and the federal member state levels, and with Somali civil society organizations. This enhanced cooperation, coordination and partnership are essential, both in building the relevant capacities and in supporting the ongoing electoral efforts.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“Accordingly, the African Union, in close cooperation with Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the United Nations and the European Union, encouraged the continued engagement among key stakeholders, invited them to refrain from actions that might delay or obstruct the ongoing negotiation process, highlighted the need for the establishment of an appropriate follow- up mechanism to sustain the implementation of the summit outcomes and further reiterated the previous decisions not to support any parallel process, partial elections or new initiatives leading to any extension of prior mandates. From the way things are going at the hangar at the airport, we feel that there will be no need for us to appeal again for any extension or other type of parallel process.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“We are informed that there is like-mindedness, firm commitment to let the higher interests of the country prevail, and engagement in a frank and open dialogue capable of leading to consensus and compromise on all the contentious issues regarding the implementation of the 17 September agreement, including the 16 February recommendations of the Baidoa technical committee for the holding of indirect elections. The Peace and Security Council of the African Union welcomed those very important and encouraging developments. It commended the Somali political stakeholders for the great show of leadership, commitment to the welfare of their people and profound sense of national unity and solidarity.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“This has led to all soldiers and armed groups that were behind the armed confrontations in the city accepting and returning to their bases. It also led to all the federal member state leaders and the Governor of Banaadir agreeing to return without preconditions to the negotiating table on 20 May to finalize discussions on the outstanding issues and move in earnest towards the implementation of the 17 September agreement. Today’s meeting of the Security Council is taking place at the moment when the Somalia national consultative meeting is in its fourth day of consultations.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo addressed the people of Somalia. He requested the Lower House of Parliament to reverse the decisions of 12 April and reinstate the indirect election model as enshrined in the agreement of 17 September. The Prime Minister assumed full responsibility over implementing the electoral process and ensuring the security of the elections, thus easing the prevailing political tension. He subsequently entered into intense engagement with the members of the Council of Presidential Candidates, opposition leaders, women’s organizations, elders, the business community and other representatives of civil society organizations and generated tremendous consensus among Somali stakeholders on how to successfully approach the situation.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“Areas such as Gambole, Fido, Ceel Dhere and Ceel Qoxle, in Middle Shabelle, and Ferfer and Decor, in the Hiraan region, have been particularly hit. Government efforts alleviate the plight of the affected populations. Clearly, it needs to be boosted by continued and dedicated support from the international community. The months of February, March and April were months of very concerning political tension in Somalia. National political stakeholders could not reach a compromise on how to approach the outstanding issues and take the country to elections at the earliest time possible. That tension threatened to drive the country to the brink, but Somali wisdom prevailed and averted the tension from deteriorating into widespread violence. We congratulate the Somalis on that.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“Mr. Madeira: Let me begin by congratulating you, Mr. President, and your country, China, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of May. I thank you, Sir, for inviting me to brief this organ on the situation in Somalia. In the period under consideration, localized floods, below-average rainfall and a desert locust infestation are adversely impacting populations in various regions of Somalia. In Jawhar and its environs, the Hirshabelle River burst its banks, and many villages have been submerged. There were 338,000 people directly affected by those floods. On the other hand, Mataban, Bulu- Burte, Mahaday and Balcad received below-average rainfall and will need humanitarian assistance Huge swarms of desert locusts landed in Middle Shabelle, devastating pasture and farms.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“In the spirit of the African Union-United Nations shared vision for Somalia, the African Union continues to call for a joint African Union-United Nations effort in delivering on this important assessment.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“This is making it difficult for AMISOM forces in various sectors to reconfigure and create mobile forces for targeted offensive operations against Al-Shabaab, as they are forced by circumstance to keep holding and protecting the populations in the towns and habitational centres they have liberated from Al-Shabaab. Therefore, realistic and feasible approaches need to be identified to effectively address the issue of the slow pace of generation of the Somali National Army forces. As I conclude, I should like to draw the Council’s attention to the fact that African Union Peace and Security Council communiqué 923 is broadly in line with paragraph 38 of Security Council resolution 2520 (2020) on the need for a comprehensive, independent assessment.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“These must include consensus on priority locations for transition and agreement on the realignment of tasks, particularly for international partners, as called for in African Union Peace and Security Council communiqué 923. Agreements on those elements will in part inform our collective assessment on what comprehensive support Somalia would require from key international partners in the lead-up to 2021 and post-2021, as called for in both African Union Peace and Security Council communiqué 923 and Security Council 2520 (2020). In terms of operations, one of the pressing issues that needs to be tackled head-on and addressed as a matter of urgency is the lack of commensurate Somali security forces to take over and hold areas under AMISOM control and those projected for liberation from Al-Shabaab.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“A very positive feature in the current revision is that the elements of all-inclusiveness have been enhanced and the federal member states have been fully included and involved from the outset in the preparation of this new revised transition plan. They are participating directly and actively, and their views are being noted and reflected in the baseline documents that are being produced. Their seats are assured and reserved in the three technical committees tasked with producing the draft revised transition plan. This is of extreme importance, as no realistically sustainable peace operation in Somalia can succeed without the involvement of the regions concerned. As we begin to review the transition plan, under the leadership of the Federal Government, it remains critical that a reviewed plan must focus on practical elements.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“To that effect, it is with satisfaction that we note that the work towards the revision of the transitional plan is ongoing and the Government has set a clear vision Of what the revision should entail, the strategic priorities it should pursue, the actions that need to be implemented to make each strategic priority a reality and the specific tasks that need to be fulfilled and by whom. Clearly, improved and enhanced coordination and coherence, information-sharing and accountability, transparency and complementarity will be necessary for the adopted revised transition plan to be fully implemented in a timely manner. We are happy that this revision is taking place in tandem with efforts to revitalize the comprehensive approach to security mechanisms, which will be more aligned with the revised transition plan activities.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“In Lower Shabelle, as the Council is aware, recovered areas remain secure thanks to the continued joint operations and the bravery of our Somali security forces and AMISOM soldiers. The African Union, through AMISOM, has been the foundation of progress on security in Somalia since 2007, but with this we have thankfully witnessed the capabilities of the Somali security institutions gradually increase. These increases must continue in earnest so that Somalia is eventually able to take the lead on its security responsibilities by 2021.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“In line with AMISOM’s tasks, as stipulated in the African Union Peace and Security Council communiqué 923 and Security Council resolution 2520 (2020), I can report that despite the ongoing impact of the coronavirus disease, AMISOM has continued to implement the transition plan. Since May, AMISOM, jointly with our partners in the Somali security forces, has been continuing to conduct several targeted operations to disrupt, degrade and disrupt Al-Shabaab’s freedom of movement and action. In addition to these operations, we have jointly secured and maintained key supply routes. As part of our transition tasks, we have also mentored various Somali security forces battalions through our ongoing colocation, particularly in Lower Shabelle.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“At the centre of peace efforts must be enhanced collaboration, coordination, coherence, improved information-sharing and complementarity between the Federal Government and the federal member states, particularly as Somalia prepares to hold elections. More must be done to degrade Al-Shabaab’s operational capacities. It is our assessment that as Somalia’s national dialogue continues to edge towards political consensus, Al-Shabaab will seek to derail those efforts. Already Al-Shabaab, in its public statements, has unsuccessfully attempted to undermine the Dhuusamarreeb process and foment national discord.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“I am also pleased to report that AMISOM’s police component, which will play a critical role in election security, is regularly engaging its Somali counterparts on areas of support. In that context, AMISOM police are currently training Somali police on the use of mapping tools for election security threat assessments. Despite that support, it remains essential, as part of election preparation, that the important work of the National Electoral Security Task Force resume as soon as practically possible. I remain concerned at the threat of Al-Shabaab across Somalia, which is demonstrated by the extremist group’s sustained attacks against Government officials, businesses, civilians, security forces and international personnel. The fight against Al-Shabaab will continue to require concerted efforts.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“I am encouraged so far that the resumption of dialogue has already allowed for Somali stakeholders at all levels to engage in frank and inclusive discussions in search of a consensual approach to the issue of elections and its modalities. We partners of Somalia must strive to ensure that the discussions will remain all-inclusive, because it is that inclusivity that lends legitimacy and will determine the consistence and implementability of the consensus that may be reached in the Dhuusamarreeb process. Following the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) report to Parliament on 27 June, AMISOM, at the request of the Commission’s Chairperson, has enhanced its discussions on election security, the securing of the new NIEC premises and the African Union Commission’s technical support to NIEC prior to and during the elections.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“The African Union welcomes the developing dialogue between President Farmajo and the “Somaliland” leader, Mr. Muse Bihi Abdi. The latest round of talks, held in June, brokered by President Ismaël Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, stands as the second this year. More important, this is evidence of Somalia’s commitment to dialogue as a means of resolving its national differences. We are equally aware that the talks’ joint technical committee is yet to meet again, and we underscore the importance that those talks continue. The resumption of dialogue between the Federal Government and the federal member states has real potential to act as a catalyst for achieving critical national priorities.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“We the international partners and friends of Somalia have an important role to play to make peace a necessary presence and transformation a necessary reality. Then Dhuusamarreeb process deserves our unwavering support, as it represents a clear signal of the intent of Somali leaders to work towards a political consensus. This was the missing link, and now it seems to be close. We should not miss this opportunity. The African Union, through the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), is there in Somalia supporting the Somali security forces in ensuring security for those encounters on the ground. While the parties will require more commitment and trust to assure that the Dhuusamarreeb talks are a success, the African Union will continue not only to secure the process but also to offer its political support, where and when needed.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“We witnessed President Farmajo exchanging views one on one with President Said Abdullahi Mohamed Deni of Puntland, with President Mohamed Abdi Ware of Hirshabelle and President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen of South-West State. We saw President Ahmed Abdi Kariye Qoor Qoor preparing the ground and welcoming President Farmajo and all the other Presidents to the big meeting. Those meetings are important and necessary. They should cease to be historical developments. They must be made to repeat themselves with such frequency that they become normal events — regular encounters of leaders united in a common purpose of making their country a better place for all their people. We regret that, for the meeting that started on 15 August, two of those leaders have not been there.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“If harnessed and facilitated, this development can unlock the great potential of the Somali people to put in the second plan what divides them and build on the factors that bring them together and strengthen the unity and solidarity of their people. I commend the personal efforts of President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo and those of the Presidents of the federal member states, who, through emissaries, direct and indirect contacts, consultations, exchanges and mutual reassurances, have laid the groundwork that made those crucial developments a reality: the Dhuusamarreeb process. In Dhuusamarreeb, we saw President Farmajo meeting bilaterally with President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe of Jubtaland and discussing their issues.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“Those developments are, in large part, due to the determination of Somalia’s leaders to get together and consult on the bold steps required to strengthen the country’s capacity to fight Al-Shabaab and other armed opposition groups, build the State of Somalia and strengthen its institutions and stabilize the country through the provision of essential goods and the services to the people. The emerging resumption of dialogue and collaboration between the leaders of the Federal Government and those of the federal member states is the most salient political development that happened in the period under consideration.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“Mr. Madeira: I thank you very much, Mr. President, for this opportunity to brief the Security Council on a Somalia. I am particularly pleased to do so again with my colleague Ambassador James Swan. Our partnership is proof of the strong cooperation that exists between the African Union and the United Nations, which remains vital to our collective support to Somalia. Let me begin by recognizing that there have been significant developments in Somalia since I last the briefed the Council in May (see S/2020/436).”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“These negatively impact the task of securing the main supply routes, the pursuit of the enemy through its strongholds and the capturing and holding of new territory from Al-Shabaab. The Security Council may wish to look more closely into the reality that is confronting our forces and those of the Federal Republic of Somalia in the theatre of operations and consider the additional measures that need to be taken to allow pressure to be exerted on Al-Shabaab in a sustainable, consistent and relentless manner so that the enemy can be effectively degraded and the Lower Shabelle successful joint operations extended to much wider Somali territorial expanses.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“The process is slow, underfunded, profoundly dependent on the goodwill of individual partners, with no shared and coordinated training plans and no evident correlation with the need to generate, in a timely manner, forces capable of taking full security responsibility from AMISOM and allow the completion of the current transition by 2021. As a result, the AMISOM forces that, per the transition plan and concept of operations, are supposed to be reconfigured into more flexible and more mobile forces capable of sustainably going out and taking on and degrading the enemy are the same forces that are currently still holding the bulk of the population centres they have liberated from Al-Shabaab. In that context, the operations they can undertake against the enemy cannot go beyond a limited distance from the population centres they are holding.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“This is a task that is ongoing and will be completed by 28 February. The drawdown will be on a pro rata basis. There will be, however, consideration for a threat assessment when reconfiguring the remaining forces within our sectors. The current politics of drawdown are a complete mismatch with the reality obtaining in the theatre of operations. The process of generating adequate, well- trained, well-equipped and logistically well-supported Somali forces to take over security responsibilities for AMISOM is not in tandem with the targets and timelines we have set for ourselves in the transition plan.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“In a concerted effort to degrade and contain the enemy, AMISOM and its partners continue to support the Somali security forces with ground and air operations focusing on Al-Shabaab’s presence and activities in Middle Shabelle, Lower Shabelle, Middle Juba and Mogadishu. The implementation of the transition plan remains the rallying point of our mandated tasks towards 2021. Our operations in this regard are confronted with challenges related to the slow pace in the generation and equipping of the Somali security forces; the lack of sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability service; and inadequate logistics support for the Somali National Army. As mandated by the Council under resolution 2472 (2019), AMISOM is required to draw down another 1,000 of its troops, the third batch since 2018.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“Somalia has met the required benchmarks under the fourth staff-monitored programme with regard to domestic revenue, mobilization, public financial management, financial-sector stability, and compliance with anti-money-laundering and combating the financing of terrorism. As a result, early this month the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank agreed that Somalia is now eligible for assistance under the enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries initiative. We congratulate the Federal Government of Somalia on that great achievement. The recently concluded threat assessment indicates that Al-Shabaab remains resilient and retains the capacity to carry out attacks against the Somali security forces, AMISOM and innocent civilians, mostly using improvised explosive devices, mortars and targeted assassinations.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“It is our duty to support her in this endeavour by providing the Commission with the commensurate material and financial resources it will need; the security and mobility that will be indispensable for the effective holding of the election; and the expertise that it will require, in terms of both regular electoral staff and specialized personnel. We at the African Union reaffirm our continued readiness to support the peace process, both technically and in terms of security. We are galvanized by the tenacity, steadfastness and resilience with which the Federal Government of Somalia has been implementing its commitment to the terms agreed with the Bretton Woods Institutions. This capacity to stay the course against all odds is now paying off.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“The fact that Somalia’s federal electoral law has been approved by the House of the People and signed into law by President Farmajo a few days ago is an important and very positive development. We at AMISOM recognize that there are still a number of important issues to be ironed out in order to ensure the unhindered and smooth implementation of the electoral law, but we remain optimistic and confident that the momentum gained in the last two months will continue and that whatever obstacles may stand in the way of the elections in the last quarter of this year will be successfully overcome. For this, a lot of responsibility has been placed in the hands of the National Independent Electoral Commission and Ms. Halima Ismail Ibrahim, its Chair.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“We applaud the Federal Government’s continued commitment to fostering dialogue among the Somali people, as demonstrated by the recent meeting between President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo and Mr. Muse Bihi Abdi of Somaliland, in the margins of the thirty-third African Union Assembly, earlier this month. This is a very encouraging development and a source of great hope for the future of Somalia. As I noted earlier, Somalia is embarking on an important year, and one of the most important priorities this year is the organization of peaceful and credible national suffrage for the election of members of the Federal Parliament and that of the Federal President.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source