YouSaid · the spoken record

Swan

lines on the record: 113
first: 2019-08-21
most recent: 2022-09-07
sittings or episodes: 10
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

“Before I conclude, let me reiterate the commitment of the United Nations to continue supporting the Government and the people of Somalia in achieving their national goals. In that context, the strategic review of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia is well-advanced. The review team visited Somalia in August and held extensive consultations with Government officials and other stakeholders, ensuring that Somali views will inform the review’s forthcoming report and recommendations to the Council.”
2022-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9125 (2022) · source
“The ongoing humanitarian crisis has especially contributed to the vulnerability of displaced women and children, who historically have faced discrimination and exclusion from services. I urge the Somali authorities to increase prevention measures for the risk of sexual violence, particularly against women and girls, including by strengthening security at water points and food distribution sites. Turning to the longer-term development agenda, Somalia has taken significant steps in the debt- relief process. In June, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund approved pending reviews, leading to the release of $350 million in much- needed development funding. Similarly, other donors have resumed pending budgetary support to ease the financial pressures and sustain the required reform efforts to complete the debt-relief process.”
2022-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9125 (2022) · source
“Somalia is facing a humanitarian catastrophe, with some 7.8 million Somalis — nearly half of the country’s estimated population — impacted by the worst drought in at least four decades, exacerbated by climate factors. The four consecutive failed rainy seasons have put areas of the country at risk of famine. Thanks to generous donor support, humanitarian organizations have since January quadrupled the number of those reached with assistance to 5.3 million people. But with ever-escalating needs and a fifth failed rainy season projected, a further scale-up of humanitarian assistance is critical. I call on all parties in Somalia to facilitate humanitarian access. I also call on all of Somalia’s friends to increase urgently the needed funding.”
2022-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9125 (2022) · source
“The implementation of the security transition tasks mandated by resolution 2628 (2022) is advancing, including the request for the federal Government of Somalia, the African Union, the European Union and the United Nations to identify relevant, clear and realistic benchmarks for progress. The United Nations Support Office in Somalia continues to provide mandated logistical support to ATMIS and, using trust fund contributions, to authorized Somali security forces. I remain deeply concerned about the shortfall in funding available for ATMIS salary stipends and for the trust fund of the Somali security forces and urge additional donor contributions as a matter of urgency.”
2022-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9125 (2022) · source
“I condemn those repeated terrorist attacks, extend my deep condolences to the families of those killed by Al-Shabaab and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded. I commend the courage and tenacity of Somali security forces and the forces of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), who at great cost in lives continue to fight to defend the population against Al-Shabaab. Somalia’s efforts towards force generation, integration and coordination are necessary both to achieve military gains and to address citizens’ protection concerns. Effective Somali forces are key to the planned transition from ATMIS. I reiterate the need for the federal Government and the federal member states to collaborate closely to counter Al-Shabaab, guided by Somalia’s regional and international human rights commitments.”
2022-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9125 (2022) · source
“The United Nations is working with the Government in support of that important meeting. Since taking office, President Mohamud has also made multiple foreign visits to neighbouring countries and other important bilateral partners. I welcome his initiative to ensure close ties with all, even those countries with which relations were previously strained. I urge that that continue, particularly with regional neighbours. The new Somali Administration has identified security as its top national priority. That comes at a time when Al-Shabaab has demonstrated increased boldness. Its recent activities include targeted assassinations, complex attacks such as that on the Hayat Hotel in August, and large-scale military actions along the border with Ethiopia.”
2022-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9125 (2022) · source
“Only 13 per cent of Cabinet members and 21 per cent of parliamentary committee members are women. I call again for Somali leaders to take further measures to ensure women’s meaningful participation across institutions of Government, as well as the inclusion of youth and historically marginalized groups. President Mohamud has repeatedly highlighted the importance of improving relations between the central Government and the federal member states to advance national priorities. Among his first commendable actions in office was to meet with federal member state leaders in the National Consultative Council and then visit several state capitals. I urge that that outreach to the federal member states continue and that the National Consultative Council meet again very soon.”
2022-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9125 (2022) · source
“Since then, in June, the Parliament unanimously endorsed his nominee for Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, and in August confirmed his Cabinet. The new Government has moved swiftly to present a four-year work programme, laying out goals and activities across six pillars: security, justice, reconciliation, economic development, social development and foreign relations. In parallel, the Parliament completed the process of forming its committees, during which the Joint Oversight Committee was charged with steering the constitutional review process through Parliament. The United Nations and other international partners are supporting the Parliament to advance key legislative priorities. Unfortunately, women remain underrepresented in Cabinet positions and parliamentary committees.”
2022-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9125 (2022) · source
“Mr. Swan: I am grateful for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on the situation in Somalia. With the conclusion of its contentious electoral process in May, the political climate in Somalia is now more conducive to addressing key national priorities. To capitalize on that opportunity, federal and state authorities must collaborate closely to achieve progress on the new Government’s goals, including by improving governance and justice, effectively countering Al-Shabaab and responding urgently to the worsening humanitarian crisis. The United Nations is committed to supporting Somalis in achieving their national priorities. I last briefed the Council (see S/PV.9040) just after the 15 May election of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the new President of Somalia.”
2022-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9125 (2022) · source
“We call on Somali leaders to work together in a spirit of collaboration and national purpose. We call on Somalia’s international friends and partners, including those on the Security Council, to offer constructive support and encouragement. Let us work together to capitalize on this moment of opportunity for Somalia.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“We continue to rigorously apply the United Nations Due Diligence Policy on Human Rights and ensure both advocacy and technical support for the protection of human rights. The United Nations and the Government have begun the implementation of the flagship women, peace and protection programme, funded by the Peacebuilding Fund. The programme promotes women’s meaningful participation in peacebuilding processes and the protection of women and girls from sexual violence in conflict. On the youth front, the United Nations continues to integrate youth dimensions in electoral participation, mediation and civilian oversight of the security sector. In conclusion, let me stress that the conclusion of the electoral process on 15 May offers a long-awaited opportunity for Somalia to make progress on other urgent national priorities.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“On 26 April, a high-level donor round table in Geneva focused attention on humanitarian needs across the Horn of Africa, including Somalia. We are grateful to donors for their pledges and commitments. However, without the immediate receipt of funding to expand humanitarian operations, we face the prospect of significant loss of life in the period ahead. Even as we now focus on saving lives and averting famine, there is also a need to increase resilience, development and climate responses so that those affected by recurring crises can adapt and thrive in the future. In all the United Nations system’s activities in Somalia, we are guided by the principles of respect for human rights and the full inclusion of women, young people and marginalized groups.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“We would also welcome more clarity on plans to fund future ATMIS requirements that are not currently covered. The humanitarian situation in Somalia is worsening following the failure of a fourth consecutive rainy season. The number of people affected by the drought has risen to 6.1 million. The country faces a heightened risk of localized famine in six communities if food prices continue to rise and humanitarian assistance is not sustained. Humanitarians have scaled up their activities, prioritizing the most vulnerable populations and focusing on famine prevention. Yet, almost halfway through the year, the 2022 humanitarian response plan is just 15 per cent funded against its total appeal for $1.45 billion. We call for urgent additional contributions.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“I call on the new Administration to demonstrate its full political commitment and leadership in delivering the agreed security transition. The United Nations Support Office for Somalia continues to provide support under its mandate to ATMIS forces and has established and staffed a transition cell to ensure it is well postured to meet the needs of the new AU mission. The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) also continues to support Somali forces under the terms of its mandate, albeit at reduced levels owing to the depletion of the United Nations trust fund in support of the Somali security forces. While thanking those who have generously offered support, we call on partners to make further contributions to the trust fund.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“Since the formal transition from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to ATMIS on 1 April, as per resolution 2628 (2022), both Somali and African Union (AU) security officials have been heavily focused on electoral security. The United Nations has taken steps at the technical level to engage both the Federal Government of Somalia and ATMIS on the way forward on the implementation of the Somali Transition Plan and the ATMIS mandate. Now that the election is over, it will be important to reinvigorate structures previously agreed by the Security and Justice Committee to support coordination, prioritize force generation and integration, mobilize resources and build the capacity of the Somali security forces.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“Somalia’s security situation remains highly volatile. Emboldened by domestic political tensions, in recent months Al-Shabaab maintained its modus operandi and focused attacks in Mogadishu, South-West state and Hirshabelle. The spate of deadly incidents in March and April suggested an effort to disrupt the final phases of the electoral process. I commend the courage and tenacity of Somali security forces and African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) forces who safeguarded the electoral process and bore the brunt of Al-Shabaab’s deadly attacks, then and after. I want to extend special condolences for the losses suffered as a result of the 3 May complex attack by Al-Shabaab on the ATMIS forward operating base in Ceel Baraf, Middle Shabelle.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“While we welcome the end of the elections and look forward to progress on other issues, we must be clear- eyed about the shortcomings of the earlier stages of the process. Contrary to Somalia’s provisional Constitution, the Somali people did not have the opportunity to vote for the House of the People in a one person, one vote election. Women were elected to just 21 per cent of parliamentary seats — well short of the 30 per cent goal set by Somalis themselves. Many irregularities in the selection of members of Parliament were noted throughout the process, which was repeatedly marred by tragic incidents of violence, with numerous civilian casualties recorded. We call on Somalia’s leaders to do better for their people in the next electoral cycle. The United Nations stands ready to support such efforts.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“He emphasized national reconciliation, improving relations between the central Government and federal member states, addressing the security threat from Al-Shabaab, finishing the constitutional review and judicial reforms, completing election-related laws, ensuring compliance with international financial institutions’ requirements for debt relief and giving urgent attention to the dire drought conditions. We believe that is an appropriate list of initial priorities and look forward to learning more details as the new leadership takes charge and as a new Prime Minister and Cabinet are named in the coming weeks. The entire United Nations system in Somalia is ready to work with the new Government in support of those shared goals.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“On 15 May, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was elected Somalia’s tenth President by a decisive margin, in a joint session of Parliament that was peaceful, orderly and respectful of the rules of procedure. Outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo graciously conceded and congratulated and extended support to his successor. The new President was immediately sworn in, and the outcome has been fully accepted. As the Security Council has noted repeatedly, it is past time for Somali leaders to move beyond the prolonged political contest to focus on urgent national priorities. I had the honour, on 18 May, to hear directly from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud about his immediate goals.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“Mr. Swan: I thank the members of the Security Council for the opportunity to brief them on the situation in Somalia. I am pleased to do so once again alongside the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira. The conclusion of Somalia’s electoral process last week is a major milestone for the country. The presidential contest followed an unduly protracted and contentious process to choose members of the legislature. Once the senators and members of Parliament were sworn in on 14 April, however, they moved quickly to elect the Speaker and two Deputy Speakers in each chamber of Parliament and then prepare for the presidential vote.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“That overdue step will then allow leaders to refocus their efforts on the full range of urgent national priorities. To that end, the international community continues to accompany the Somali people on that journey by providing the necessary support.”
2022-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8965 (2022) · source
“That is an investment enabling us to implement the women and peace and security agenda at the federal and subnational levels, as well as to improve critical areas such as the protection of women and girls from sexual violence in conflict. On the youth front, the United Nations continues to support the Somali Government in integrating youth dimensions in multiple areas, from electoral participation to local reconciliation and more. While political, security and humanitarian conditions in Somalia are still fragile, I remain guardedly hopeful that the country will make further progress in those areas in the coming months and beyond. That requires Somali leaders to put their differences aside for the good of the Somali people and to conclude credible elections as soon as possible.”
2022-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8965 (2022) · source
“To that end, Somali-based agencies, funds and programmes continue to pursue a joint approach to address challenges such as water management, finding durable solutions, and fraud and corruption. Implementation of the women and peace and security agenda, as well as the inclusion of young people, remains central to our work. With support from the Peacebuilding Fund, the United Nations and the Government of Somalia jointly launched a new women, peace and protection programme in November. That project is aimed at promoting the meaningful participation of women in peacebuilding processes, particularly within decision-making and leadership roles.”
2022-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8965 (2022) · source
“While the Somalia humanitarian operation has the know-how to deliver life-saving aid to people in need, it requires adequate resources. Unfortunately, the humanitarian response plan for 2022 is currently only 2 per cent funded. While I wish to express my profound appreciation to the donor community for its continued commitment to Somalia, I once again call on donors to increase their support for urgent assistance to the most vulnerable Somali people. While critical, any humanitarian response is, of course, not a long-term solution. The United Nations family is therefore taking action to strengthen the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding nexus.”
2022-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8965 (2022) · source
“Progress in the implementation of the Somali transition plan is key for both the reconfiguration of AMISOM and to determine the pace of the transfer of responsibilities from AMISOM to the Somali security forces. We encourage the Federal Government of Somalia to convene the next Somali transition plan steering committee meeting soon to advance that priority, in collaboration with security partners. The humanitarian situation in Somalia remains extremely dire, with 7.7 million Somalis requiring humanitarian assistance in 2022. Somalia is the most severely drought-affected country in the Horn of Africa, with 4.3 million people impacted and more than 270,000 people newly displaced due to drought. With the next rains in April likely to be the fourth below-average cycle, Somalia faces a potential humanitarian catastrophe.”
2022-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8965 (2022) · source
“We continue to see extensive use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), including a series of person-borne IEDs and vehicle-borne IEDs, in Mogadishu in recent weeks. With the future configuration of AMISOM currently under review, the United Nations is actively engaged in discussions among the Federal Government of Somalia, the African Union and key donors. Progress was made during the technical discussions held in Mogadishu from 27 January to 9 February, including through developing the joint African Union-Federal Government of Somalia concept of operations for a reconfigured Mission; the joint African Union-United Nations proposal on a reconfigured Mission; and the United Nations logistical options in support of a reconfigured Mission and the Somalia Security Forces going forward, as requested under resolution 2568 (2021).”
2022-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8965 (2022) · source
“The United Nations has consistently sought to help Somalis reduce that risk by directly engaging all parties and calling on them to address their political differences through dialogue. Together with our partners, we continue to advocate for restraint, compromise and pragmatic consensus-based solutions so that Somali leaders remain focused on completing the elections. Al-Shabaab continues to pose the major security threat in Somalia. Political divisions and prolonged delays in the elections have allowed insurgent forces to make some recent gains. The group’s modus operandi remain unchanged, with Banaadir region and South- West state the centre of its attacks. In recent months, operations have also intensified in Hirshabelle and Galmudug states, as Al-Shabaab has sought to exploit local political and security tensions.”
2022-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8965 (2022) · source
“In addition to the support we provide to electoral institutions, the United Nations continues to coordinate with international partners to ensure joint messaging. Together with our partners, we have consistently called for a timely and credible electoral process that will enable the next Government to focus on advancing Somalia’s broader national priorities, including security challenges, as well as the State-building and development agenda. While political tensions among some Somali leaders continue to flare up sporadically, they have so far been contained, and so have not derailed the electoral process. However, the risk remains that a miscalculation could cause those tensions to spill over into conflict.”
2022-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8965 (2022) · source
“That falls well short of the 30 per cent women quota Somalia’s political leaders have committed to achieving for the two Houses of Parliament. I urge all Somali actors to redouble their efforts to meet that target. Thanks to the generous contributions of Member States, the United Nations continues to provide technical, material and advisory support to the election management bodies, the Office of the Prime Minister, the National Consultative Council and the women’s Goodwill Ambassadors. As we continue to receive reports of alleged irregularities in the electoral process, I urge key actors to course correct to improve the process, whenever necessary. That is vital to ensuring that the elections receive broad acceptance among the Somali public.”
2022-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8965 (2022) · source
“Since I last briefed the Council three months ago (see S/PV.8907), however, the Upper House elections have concluded and the pace of the House of the People elections has progressed considerably, following the January National Consultative Council. The Federal Electoral Implementation Team has signalled its intent to fill at least two thirds of the House of the People seats in the coming weeks. Thus far, 130 of 275 seats have been elected, with an additional 60 seats announced for competition shortly. I call on the electoral management bodies, as well as Somalia’s political leaders, to accelerate and quickly conclude the elections for the House of the People. Some 28 women — or approximately 22 per cent — have so far been elected to the House of the People.”
2022-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8965 (2022) · source
“I thank you, Madam President, for this opportunity to brief the Council on the situation in Somalia. I am pleased to do so again, together with the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira. This underscores the important partnership between the African Union and the United Nations in Somalia. I once again commend the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali forces for their contributions to improving security and stability in Somalia. National elections in Somalia are now more than one year behind the constitutionally prescribed schedule.”
2022-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8965 (2022) · source
“Let me conclude by stressing that, although progress is being made, the efforts of Somalia’s political leaders will need to be redoubled in the coming weeks to bring the elections for the Federal Parliament to a successful conclusion so that the presidential elections can be held as soon as possible. The completion of those elections is now more important than ever so that all efforts can return to the key governance, security and development priorities in Somalia.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8907 (2021) · source
“Humanitarian partners estimate that 7.7 million Somalis will require humanitarian assistance in 2022. Without immediate treatment, some 1.2 million children under the age of five are likely to be acutely malnourished in 2022. Some 2.9 million people are estimated to be internally displaced throughout the country, which is one of the highest numbers of internally displaced persons in the world. In that context, I am gravely concerned that the 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan is currently only 51 per cent funded. I thank donors for their generous contributions to date, but a critical scale-up in humanitarian action is urgently required.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8907 (2021) · source
“In that regard, I welcome the recent African Union Peace and Security Council visit to Somalia, which provided an important opportunity for discussions among many stakeholders. The ongoing delays in the electoral process continue to stall progress in other critical areas and hamper the achievement of national priorities beyond the elections, including reforming the Constitution and the justice sector and advancing the development agenda and financial reforms, such as achieving the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative completion point in 2022. The humanitarian situation in Somalia remains dire, compounded by conflict, displacement and disease outbreaks. Somalia is also on the front line of recurrent climatic shocks, exacerbating the humanitarian emergency.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8907 (2021) · source
“The implementation of the Somali transition plan for the progressive transfer of security responsibilities from AMISOM to the Somali security forces is advancing but remains behind schedule. Regarding the implementation of resolution 2568 (2021) with respect to post-2021 security arrangements, the Secretary-General will keep the Council informed of developments. I will therefore not go into details on that matter. Suffice to say, further discussions will be required among key security stakeholders to reach agreement on the strategic objectives, size and composition of a future African Union mission designed to support the security transition in Somalia in the most effective way.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8907 (2021) · source
“To date in 2021, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia has documented 964 civilians killed or injured as a result of armed conflict. Al-Shabaab remains the largest perpetrator, responsible for almost two thirds of civilian casualties. Regrettably, political tensions also continue to drive conflict in Somalia. The period from 23 to 26 October saw intense fighting in the town of Guriel between Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a and the Galmudug security forces, supported by the federal armed forces. That armed confrontation resulted in significant casualties, mass displacement of the civilian population and severe damage to public facilities and private homes. Along with partners, the United Nations engaged all parties on those issues, with strong calls for a cessation of hostilities and pursuit of dialogue to address political differences.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8907 (2021) · source
“I pay tribute to the commitment and sacrifice of the Somali security forces and those of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which continue to face Al-Shabaab on a daily basis. Al-Shabaab remains a serious threat to Somalia’s security, able to maintain a high level of activities, including through the continued use of improvised explosive devices and an increase in the use of suicide bombers. In Mogadishu, the latest vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack occurred on 25 September, targeting a checkpoint at Villa Somalia, resulting in several fatalities, including of a senior Government adviser. I condemn in the strongest terms Al-Shabaab’s attacks and express deep condolences to its victims.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8907 (2021) · source
“I also call for the full respect of fundamental rights during the campaign and electoral periods, including peaceful assembly, and the freedom of movement, association and expression. With regard to political developments in Somalia, I am also pleased to note that tensions between the President and the Prime Minister that emerged in August and September over two issues, namely, the appointment of senior security officials and the handling of an investigation into the disappearance of an agent of the National Intelligence and Security Agency, have now eased. Following mediation efforts by several senior Somali officials, a broadly welcomed compromise solution was announced at the end of October. The security situation in Somalia unfortunately continues to be volatile.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8907 (2021) · source
“The United Nations continues to engage with and support key stakeholders to advance the election process. This includes diplomatic engagement, including joint visits with partners to the federal member state capitals and polling sites and joint partner statements, as well as technical support to the Federal Electoral Implementation Team, State Electoral Implementation Teams and the Office of the Prime Minister, and coordination and channelling of donor contributions for the elections. I urge all stakeholders to move swiftly to conclude the House of the People elections in the federal member states to ensure the full Parliament is elected before the end of this year.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8907 (2021) · source
“While I acknowledge this progress, it has now been more than one year since Somalia’s political leaders signed the 17 September electoral agreement and nearly six months since the commitments were reaffirmed through the 27 May agreement. The elections for the vast majority of seats in the Federal Parliament are still to commence, electoral security preparations need to be accelerated and a list published of the 30 per cent of House of People seats that will reserved for women. We continue to stress that women’s full inclusion and representation in political life, and indeed in all sectors of life, is key for Somalia’s sustainable peace and development. This message was underscored by the Deputy Secretary-General and the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa on their recent visits to Somalia.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8907 (2021) · source
“This is an increase from the previous elections in 2016, though still short of the 30-per cent target. It is also encouraging that elections for the House of the People have commenced, with 2 of the 275 seats having been completed and elections for an additional eleven seats announced to begin this week. In addition to the electoral preparations at the national level, the holding of peaceful, direct local elections in three districts in Puntland in October demonstrated the feasibility of holding one-person-one-vote elections and underscored the desire among Somali people for political participation on the basis of universal suffrage.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8907 (2021) · source
“Mr. Swan: I thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to brief the Council on the situation in Somalia. I am pleased to do so again together with the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira. I am also grateful to brief the Council alongside Ms. Asha Siyad, co-founder of the Somali Women’s Leadership Initiative and a member of the Goodwill Ambassadors, who have tirelessly advocate in support of the 30 per cent representation of women in the elections. Progress, albeit slow and uneven progress, has been made in the electoral process. I welcome the recent completion of the elections for all the 54 seats in the Upper House of the Federal Parliament. It is encouraging that 14 women will soon take office as Senators, representing 26 per cent of the Upper House.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8907 (2021) · source
“Ensuring that the process continues to advance and is inclusive and credible will require constant effort by all parties involved and continued leadership by the signatories to the 27 May Agreement. The United Nations stands ready to continue to support Somalia in this election process and beyond so that the country can renew its focus on core peace, security and development goals.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“Humanitarian access and significantly more funding are required to continue to deliver life-saving support. The 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan is only 38 per cent funded. Climate change is contributing to the extreme crisis in Somalia, with potential negative effects on stability and security as well as on the humanitarian and development situation. The Council has recognized the adverse effects of climate change on Somalia, and the United Nations continues to work at the Federal Government and federal member state levels to better understand, mitigate and manage that situation. In conclusion, following a prolonged period of uncertainty and heightened tensions, the long-awaited electoral process in Somalia is now moving forward, albeit somewhat behind schedule.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“The Somali transition plan continues to be implemented. However, some goals for 2021 have yet to be achieved, including consolidation in Lower Shabelle and further gains in Hirshabelle State. We note, however, the recent Somali National Army operations to counter Al-Shabaab in Hirshabelle and Galmudug States. The humanitarian situation in Somalia remains dire. The combined impact of conflict and climate change, including recurrent droughts and floods, as well as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), is likely to further exacerbate food insecurity. I would like to note the leadership of the Federal Government of Somalia in rolling out a national vaccination campaign with the support of the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) Facility initiative.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“There are also alarming increases in sexual violence and violations against children being recorded, which remain priority areas of concern for the United Nations. The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) continues to play a critical role in Somalia. I pay tribute to all AMISOM and Somali security forces personnel, who work together on a daily basis to bring security to the country. Too many have made the ultimate sacrifice. The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) continues to provide vital support to AMISOM and the Somali security forces. UNSOS assistance to the Somali National Army and Somali Police Force is made possible by voluntary trust fund contributions. Additional generous contributions are urgently needed to continue that vital support to the Somali security forces mandated by the Council.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“With funding from the Peacebuilding Fund, the United Nations in Somalia will also step up its support for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and the role of women in peacebuilding through a new programme to address systemic barriers to Somali women’s representation and participation in public life. Preparations for election security are key owing to the continuing threat posed by Al-Shabaab. Al-Shabaab continues with terrorist attacks and insurgent operations, including by encircling communities, especially so in South-West State. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) has so far in 2021 recorded reports of 708 Somali civilian casualties — 321 killed, 387 injured — mostly attributed to Al-Shabaab.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“As future challenges to the implementation of the agreement and the completion of the electoral process emerge, we urge that they continue to be addressed and resolved through dialogue. Beyond the electoral process, the United Nations continues to support broader peacebuilding efforts, including strengthening federalism, conflict prevention and management, and peace consolidation. In this regard, we recall that the 27 May agreement includes a road map for the completion of the State-building process in Somalia, and we look forward to supporting its implementation.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“There is also a need for greater inclusion of youth and historically marginalized communities in the electoral process. The United Nations has been working closely with the Office of the Prime Minister and the election management committees at the federal and state levels on the implementation of the 27 May agreement and election preparations. This includes the provision of technical and logistical support, as well as the coordination of international financial assistance. Recently, an agreement was signed with the Office of the Prime Minister to ensure that donor funds generously contributed by Member States are available for use by the electoral management bodies.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“The mandated ministerial committee, comprised of federal member state representatives, has held consultations in Garbahaarrey to prepare for the Gedo elections. The national electoral security committee has been established and has begun preparations, and the Prime Minister has appointed an advocacy committee, whose Chairperson will brief the Council today, to attain the women’s 30-per cent quota in the 2021 federal elections of Somalia. At the same time, more progress is needed in certain priority areas. This includes more intensive and detailed preparations for electoral security, and clarity on plans to secure the quota for women. I am particularly concerned that unless strong measures are put in place now, the women’s quota might not be achieved.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source