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

“My last briefing to the Council (see S/PV.8779) took place two days before the signing of the 27 May electoral implementation agreement between Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and leaders of the federal member states. I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made since then. The Prime Minister has demonstrated strong leadership and initiative in moving the process forward. The National Consultative Council, which includes the Prime Minister and the federal member state leaders, has held regular meetings and dialogue on key issues related to the implementation of the agreement. Further, election management bodies at federal and state levels have been established, and the elections for seats in the Upper House of Parliament have begun in four of the federal member states.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“Mr. Swan: I thank you, Sir, for the opportunity to brief the Council on the situation in Somalia. I am pleased to do so together, once again, with the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira. This underscores the importance of the relationship between the United Nations and the African Union in advancing peace, security and stability in Somalia. I am also pleased to be briefing alongside Ambassador Abukar Osman, the Permanent Representative of Somalia to the United Nations, and Ms. Batula Axmed Gaballe, Chairperson of the recently appointed advocacy committee.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“It is imperative that the ongoing summit in Mogadishu yield an implementable agreement to hold elections in the shortest time possible. Without such an agreement, along with the goodwill and sincerity to implement it, the gains that have been made in Somalia in recent years may be reversed, risking further instability and insecurity. I therefore greatly appreciate the close attention the Council continues to pay to the situation in Somalia.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“That will not be enough to respond to the life-saving needs of Somalis across the country. I appeal to Member States to make further contributions. On a more positive note, Somalia received the first batch of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines through the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility in March. The United Nations has worked closely with Government counterparts to ensure the effective distribution and administering of the vaccines to front-line workers. As of today, Somalia has been able to administer 42 per cent of the 300,000 doses of the vaccines it received. Going forward, it is essential that the international community continue to support Somalia’s needs for achieving optimal vaccination coverage. Let me conclude by underscoring the opportunity now before Somalia’s leaders.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“The AU and United Nations are in the initial stages of those discussions at Headquarters level, and further updates will be provided to the Security Council as preparations advance in line with the relevant resolutions of the Council. The humanitarian situation is still dire, with 5.9 million Somalis, or more than one third of the population, in need of humanitarian assistance this year. Of those, over 3 million are in acute need of life-saving assistance. While 80 per cent of the country is impacted by drought conditions, heavy rains are at the same time causing seasonal flash flooding in some riverine areas. Erratic climatic shocks have led to greater displacement and increased food insecurity. Regrettably only 19 per cent of the humanitarian response plan for 2021 has so far been funded.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“The United Nations Support Office in Somalia continues to provide logistical support to AMISOM and stands ready to continue to furnish non-lethal support to the Somali National Army and the Somali Police Force using voluntary contributions to the trust fund in support of the Somali security forces, as authorized by the Security Council. I note with great concern that the trust fund will be depleted by the end of June. Without urgent contributions, that vital operational and life-saving support to the Somali security forces will cease. Meanwhile the United Nations and the African Union continue to engage on the way forward in relation to the Somali security transition and a future reconfigured AU mission.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“Suffice it to say that Al-Shabaab has demonstrated both initiative and resilience in recent months. The operations of the Somali security forces and AMISOM therefore remain crucial in maintaining the pressure on that group. Some progress has been made in the implementation of the revised Somalia transition plan. Key developments include the handover of forward operating bases in Awdheegle and Bariirre to the Somali National Army, near the end of 2020, and Afgooye, in March 2021. In early April, Awdheegle and Bariirre came under attack by Al-Shabaab, but Somali forces displayed great courage and held their ground. The pace of implementation of the Somali transition plan has been impacted negatively by the political impasse. Major commitments are behind schedule, and significant efforts will be needed to accelerate progress.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“Without that, progress on key national priorities will continue to be hampered — or worse, reversed — in critical areas, including in the security, economic and development sectors. In proceeding to elections, it is crucial that the women’s minimum 30 per cent representation in both houses of the federal Parliament be implemented. The inclusion of women, but also of youth and minority groups, in political decision-making going forward is necessary to ensure the development of the country and sustainable peace in Somalia. The security situation continues to be of grave concern. Al-Shabaab remains a serious threat, manifesting the ability to plan and execute complex attacks on a range of targets across Somalia. Recent incidents are outlined in greater detail in the most recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2021/485).”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“The United Nations team has been honoured to support the Office of the Prime Minister in arrangements for the summit and greatly appreciates the contributions of key donors in that regard. We are coordinating closely with the African Union, the European Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and other partners in our diplomatic engagements. With regard to those concerted diplomatic efforts, we deeply regret the Somali Government’s rejection of the African Union High Representative for Somalia. I once again urge Somali leaders to find solutions in good faith and to demonstrate the leadership the country requires of them at this historic moment. The signatories to the 17 September agreement must now commit to a clear way forward with the holding of elections.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“That is a welcome return to dialogue after the earlier period of confrontation. Following a series of closed- door confidence-building meetings, discussions are now centred on resolving the outstanding issues related to the implementation of the 17 September agreement and the proposals of the Baidoa technical committee. We are encouraged that a positive atmosphere prevails so far, and all sides report progress being made in the discussion. And if I may add, the news this afternoon is also highly positive. It appears that the Somali principals are very close to an agreement, but it will for them to announce that. We hope it will be delivered in the coming hours.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“Under intense pressure, on 1 May the House of the People reversed the special law at the request of President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo. The President subsequently empowered the Prime Minister to lead the Federal Government of Somalia’s involvement in the electoral process, including the security arrangements and negotiations with the federal member states. Those measures greatly eased tensions. I commend all the Somali leaders who sought compromise and consensus during that period in order to de-escalate the situation in the interests of the nation and the Somali people. That spirit of compromise remains an urgent necessity going forward. Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble convened a new summit between the Federal Government of Somalia and the federal member states on 22 May.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“The political process to implement elections in Somalia has faced many obstacles in recent months. The talks between the Federal Government and the leaders of the federal member states, which began in March, regrettably broke down in early April. Abandoning the 17 September electoral agreement, the House of the People of the Somali Parliament then adopted a special law, reverting to a one-person-one-vote model and extending the mandates of the current office holders for up to two more years. Opposition to such moves led to the mobilization of militias and exposed divisions within the Somali security forces. Violent clashes ensued on 25 April, risking broader conflict. Since then, Somalia has come back from the brink of that worst-case scenario.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“Mr. Swan: I thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to brief the Security 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 (AU) Commission for Somalia, Mr. Francisco Caetano José Madeira. That underscores the importance of the relationship between our two organizations in Somalia. The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) continues to play a critical role in Somalia every day, and I commend the bravery and determination of the Somali and AMISOM forces as they advance peace and security in the country. I also very much look forward to the comments of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia, His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Abdirizak Mohamud.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“Finally, on a positive note, I am pleased to report that the Secretary-General has approved Somalia’s request for renewed eligibility for the Peacebuilding Fund. The next period of programming will focus on the important topic of women and peace and security.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“With regard to efforts to counter sexual and gender- based violence, I note with concern the recent initiative by some parliamentarians to introduce a new bill entitled “the law on sexual intercourse-related crimes”. We have brought our concerns to the attention of the Speaker of the House of the People and, at his request, we have provided him details of many troubling elements in the proposed draft. Among them, the draft bill would violate protections against child marriage and forced marriage, and it is not in conformity with international human rights commitments to which Somalia is a party. We urge that the previous 2018 sexual offences bill be reintroduced for consideration.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“We thank international donors and request their continued generosity in support of the Somali people. COVID-19 has of course undermined health, economic and development gains in Somalia. The achievement in March of the decision point under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative was crucial to Somalia’s ability to secure funding to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. We hope the new Government and the Prime Minister, once appointed, will continue, and indeed accelerate, Somalia’s reform agenda for national development. While today’s briefing has focused on immediate, pressing issues, we remain mindful that progress in Somalia requires a long-term commitment to governance, justice, respect for human rights and the inclusion of women, youth and minorities to build the nation.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“Throughout this reporting period, despite the impact of COVID-19, the United Nations Support Office for Somalia has continued to contribute reliably to the sustainment and the operations of AMISOM forces and 10,900 Somali National Army troops. In preparation for key security-related decisions to be taken in 2021, we look forward to the independent assessment called for by the Council. Somalia continues to suffer chronic humanitarian crises, with recurring destructive cycles of floods and drought, compounded this year by desert locusts and COVID-19. More than five million people — one third of Somalia’s population — still require life-saving humanitarian assistance. The 2020 humanitarian appeal, for just over $1 billion, is currently funded at only slightly more than 50 per cent.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“I again salute the courage and commitment of the Somali and African Union troops. The year 2021 will see a critical transition, in which Somalia takes the lead on its security matters. Last week, the Federal Government of Somalia completed a concept note for updating the Somalia transition plan, and technical teams comprising Somali security leaders and international partners began work on the update this week. Force generation has faced some setbacks in meeting the projections for 2020 as a consequence of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The comprehensive approach to security continues to operate at the technical level but it would be enhanced by additional strategic-level guidance, as called for by the Council in resolution 2520 (2020).”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“The vicious Al-Shabaab attack on innocent civilians at the Elite Hotel on 16 August was one of an increasing number of recent attacks across Somalia and is a tragic reminder of the continued imperative to improve security in Somalia. Long-term security of course includes many aspects, such as improved governance and justice systems and inclusive economic development. Yet unquestionably there also remains a requirement for hard security capabilities and operations to counter Al-Shabaab. In my May briefing to the Council, I commended the Somali National Army and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for their capture of Janaale, Lower Shabelle region, in March. Since then, efforts have focused on stabilizing the recovered areas and consolidating a presence in the area.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“At the request of many Somali stakeholders, we have contributed ideas and options for a compromise electoral model, and international partners stand ready to offer support if requested by the participants. Turning to another important dialogue, we welcome the summit of the leaders of Somalia and Somaliland convened by Djibouti President Ismaël Omar Guelleh on 14 June, with facilitation by the European Union and the United States. We urge that the planned follow-up discussions by the technical committee and subcommittees proceed. We are now witnessing a worrisome upsurge in attacks by Al-Shabaab, particularly in Mogadishu but also in several regions.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“Again, we regret the absence of the other leaders. It is of course up to Somali stakeholders to determine the model that will guide the electoral process. Nevertheless, we also urge that such a model be arrived at through inclusive dialogue and compromise. It should also be informed by principles, including that it must preserve the tradition of peaceful rotation in office every four years, be implementable in practice, ensure far broader representation than the 2016 model, be inclusive of women and advance progress towards the goal of one-person-one-vote elections. Somalis and their international partners are closely watching the discussion currently under way in Dhuusamarreeb. It is incumbent on Somalia’s leaders to rise to this moment in history and pursue agreement in the national interest.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“I commend both leaders for accepting the dialogue despite their significant remaining political differences. In Dhuusamarreeb in July, leaders of the Federal Government of Somalia and of the federal member states agreed on the goal of timely and credible elections acceptable to all, and they authorized a technical committee to develop and present detailed options for consideration at their follow-up summit, which started on 15 August. The climate of cooperation in July was regrettably somewhat undermined by subsequent political events, as some federal member states and political parties reacted negatively to the abrupt removal of the Prime Minister from office, among other developments. President Farmajo and three federal member state leaders returned on schedule to Dhuusamarreeb on 15 August, as agreed, to continue discussions.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“As the constitutional court has never been formed, there is no credible judicial body to resolve this constitutional dilemma. A solution therefore requires broad-based political agreement. Unilateral action by any Somali stakeholder is unlikely to garner the support and legitimacy necessary for implementation. Members of the Council have for more than a year urged dialogue and cooperation between the leaders of the Federal Government of Somalia and those of the federal member states. I am pleased to report that, since my previous briefing to the Council (see S/2020/436), those leaders met virtually on 22 June, and then in person in Dhuusamarreeb from 18 to 22 July. Those meetings became possible following a conciliatory initiative by President Farmajo to reach out to Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“On 27 June, the Chairperson of the National Independent Electoral Commission briefed the House of the People that, at this late stage, one-person-one-vote elections could take place no earlier than March 2021, and then only if manual voter registration were used, or in August 2021 if the Commission used biometric registration. The Chairperson’s briefing underscored the dilemma facing Somalia’s political leaders. Under the provisional Federal Constitution, Parliament must be elected through universal direct suffrage. But the Constitution also stipulates that parliamentary elections must be held every four years according to a prescribed deadline. That means that parliamentary elections are due by the end of November 2020. It is now clear that it is impossible to satisfy both those constitutional requirements.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“Although much more work remains to be done, we are encouraged that their discussions are taking place in a conciliatory spirit and that they are examining a diverse range of electoral options. We therefore regret the absence of Puntland President Said Deni and Jubaland President Ahmed Islam Madobe from that important meeting. It is disappointing that they declined to participate despite repeated appeals from other Somali political leaders and international partners. We understand that there are strongly held divergent views among the leaders and that political tensions are high in this pre-electoral period. Yet it is precisely during such moments that it is most necessary for the nation’s leaders to engage in dialogue and present their best ideas to find solutions in the interest of the Somali people.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“Mr. Swan: I thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to brief the Security Council on the situation in Somalia. Members have received a detailed written update in the latest report of the Secretary- General (S/2020/798). So I will focus on just a few key points regarding elections, relations between the Federal Government and federal member states, the security situation and humanitarian developments. This very week, top Somali leaders convened in Dhuusamarreeb in an effort to reach a compromise on how to proceed with the 2020/2021 elections. We commend the leaders who participated in that meeting, including President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo and the Presidents of the federal member states of Galmudug, Hirshabelle and South-West.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“I also look forward to the United Nations continuing to play its role through the full implementation of the mandate authorized by the Council.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“In that regard, we note that the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Mr. Abiy Ahmed, arranged a meeting earlier this month between President Farmajo and the Somaliland President, Mr. Muse Bihi Abdi. We look forward to their further engagement with a view to constructive dialogue. There is much to do in the year ahead. Only by working together — as Somalis, as partners, and in a spirit of unity and compromise — will progress be made. Further impetus and consensus-building are needed to ensure that key 2020 benchmarks for elections, security and relations between the Federal Government and federal member states do not fall further behind schedule. I look forward to Somalia’s leaders taking the bold steps necessary to enable such progress in this critical year.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“Back-to-back droughts, flooding, conflict and insecurity have left 5.2 million people in Somalia in need of assistance — that was before the worst locust outbreak Somalia has experienced in 25 years. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is supporting the Government in mitigating the potentially catastrophic impact on food security. I call on donors to urgently provide funding and support for the 2020 humanitarian response plan. In the longer term, we must align behind the Somali Government’s national development plan to advance humanitarian, development and peacebuilding goals. Regional cooperation is essential to addressing the many challenges in the Horn of Africa. I welcome the efforts of the President and regional leaders to resolve differences and strengthen ties.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“AMISOM has committed to implementing the reduction of 1,000 soldiers by 28 February, as decided by the Security Council in resolution 2472 (2019). Prior to the drawdown, the Somali Government, AMISOM and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia prepared a joint threat assessment, as requested by the Council and by the African Union Peace and Security Council. AMISOM remains essential to maintaining security under current circumstances, but it is also time to begin inclusive discussions on the strategic outlook and requirements to enable AMISOM to progressively hand over security ownership to the Somali authorities in a manner that preserves hard-won gains while achieving greater strategic effect against Al-Shabaab. Vulnerable Somalis continue to face extreme humanitarian challenges.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“Despite the efforts of the SNA, AMISOM and international partners, regrettably, Al-Shabaab retains the ability to conduct large-scale attacks in Mogadishu, including against the United Nations and the international community. In the recently recovered areas in Lower Shabelle, it is also able to generate significant revenue through extortion, as well as conduct operations beyond Somalia’s borders. It is essential that the Somali Government clarify its operational priorities and generate the forces necessary to enable operations to degrade Al-Shabaab, defend recently recovered areas and reopen main supply routes. Those operations must be conducted with respect for human rights and sequenced with the return of legitimate local governance, the rule of law and stabilization activities in order to be sustainable.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“We note that recent security deployments in Jubaland’s Gedo region have led instead to increased tension. Turning to the security situation, let me first pay tribute to the courage of the Somali National Army (SNA) and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in confronting Al-Shabaab. There has been steady, commendable progress in rebuilding Somalia’s security institutions, including implementation of biometric registration, electronic payment of salaries for the security forces and personnel records. Unfortunately, military operations have slowed since mid-2019 and force generation has, to date, not been sufficient for the tasks required in 2020, including priority operations against Al-Shabaab and reopening main supply routes.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“I urge the authorities and all political actors to find a way through the current impasse for both parliamentary and local elections to take place in Somaliland before the end of 2020. Political space and debate will be an essential component in the year ahead in Somalia to enable candidates, journalists, civil society and international partners to engage frankly in the political discourse. We especially look forward to hearing the voices of women, young people and minorities in an open debate on Somalia’s future. Continued efforts towards reconciliation will also be necessary to forge unity on Somalia’s future. We call on political actors in Galmudug and Jubaland in particular to engage in dialogue, refrain from violence and avoid divisions that will be exploited by Al-Shabaab.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“Those questions relate to the locations of constituencies, how to guarantee 30 per cent of seats for women and the modalities to enable Somalis from across the country to participate. I call on the Federal Parliament, in collaboration with the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) and in consultation with the Federal Government, the federal member states and other stakeholders, to resolve those issues urgently so that technical preparations can get under way. That must include the federal member States ensuring that the NIEC can maintain offices across the country to organize elections. Elections must also be held in Somaliland, where parliamentary elections were last held in 2005.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“In 2020, Somalia will face a critical test of its State-building progress through the holding of historic one-person-one-vote elections. In recent years, Somalia has established a track record of regular, peaceful transfers of power. That commendable achievement must now be preserved in 2020. In addition, a move to one-person-one vote elections will mean a shift from the elders-based selection of recent political cycles to direct voting by the people of Somalia. The new electoral code has now been approved by the House of the People and the Upper House and signed into law by the President. While an important step, the new law, regrettably, does not address many outstanding questions necessary to implement the code.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“In December, I led representatives of the African Union, the European Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in a series of consultations with political leaders and civil society groups in the federal member states, as well as with the federal executive and legislative branches and other key stakeholders. We briefed President Farmajo on our findings and emphasized the urgent need to resume dialogue. We and international partners stand ready to support that, as required. While technical advances across political, security, economic and humanitarian agendas have continued, I must underscore that those gains will quickly reach their limits without the necessary political agreements. I call on Somalia’s leaders as a matter of urgency to meet and engage in dialogue on Somalia’s national priorities.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“As I reported to the Council in November (see S/PV.8671), for Somalia to navigate the remaining challenges and achieve its ambitious priorities, all Somalia’s stakeholders must work together in the national interest. That responsibility begins with Somalia’s leaders. It is for them to engage in dialogue in a spirit of national unity and set aside narrow political interests to strengthen Somalia’s State, security and prosperity. In my last remarks to the Council, I welcomed the meeting in November between the President and some political party leaders. Regrettably, those consultations have not continued. Meanwhile, the Federal President and federal member state leaders have not met together as a group since May 2019. The protracted absence of a broad political consensus on the way forward in 2020 remains a threat to further progress.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“That milestone demonstrates that, with unity and common purpose, the federal Government and federal member states can achieve even highly ambitious goals. There has been progress, too, in the passage of key legislation to strengthen Somalia’s fiscal framework, such as the Companies Act and the Public Financial Management Act. The 2020 budget, approved by Parliament and signed by President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo, reflects steadily increasing revenue generation. In the area of human rights, Somalia has submitted its first-ever treaty report on the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, signed the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Africa and approved its national policy on refugees, returnees and IDPs.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“Mr. Swan: The year 2020 has the potential to be a transformative year for Somalia. A number of key national priorities are due to conclude and will impact Somalia’s trajectory for years to come. Last October, at the Somalia Partnership Forum, Somalia and its international partners agreed on the main priorities on which Somalia must not fail in 2020. Those include achieving debt relief, holding one-person-one-vote elections, finalizing the federal constitution, advancing the fight against Al-Shabaab and consolidating the federal State. Already, there has been good progress on Somalia’s economic priorities. The Executive Boards of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have confirmed Somalia’s eligibility for debt relief under the enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“In closing, I commend the courage and tenacity of Somali and AMISOM. forces in their continued efforts to improve security throughout the country. I underscore the centrality of respect for human rights in all of our collective efforts in Somalia. I reiterate the importance of women, youth and civil society as vital partners in building Somalia's future.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“The Federal Government and federal member states have fully cooperated at the Finance Minister level in making progress towards that shared goal. I welcome the Federal Government's adoption of the new National Development Plan. Its content was thoroughly consulted with federal member states and international partners alike. Donors have pledged to align their programmes with the Plan. While the Government and partners remain committed to the longer-term peacebuilding and development agenda for the people, Somalia regrettably continues to be hard hit by humanitarian crises. Thanks to the leadership of the Somali Government's humanitarian team and the generosity of many international partners, lifesaving support has been afforded to those most in need. We express our steadfast solidarity with those Somalis affected by the recurring crises.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“With a View to disrupting attacks in Mogadishu, the Somali National Army, with support from the African Union Military Observer Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and international partners, began operations in April to recapture territory from Al-Shabaab in the Lower Shabelle region. Following its previous offensive in August, the Somali National Army has successfully held its ground, despite repeated Al-Shabaab counterattacks. Additional force generation is now required not only to continue those advances but also to support other institutional reforms that are needed in order to implement the security transition plan. On the economic front, Somalia is on track to reach a decisionpointundertheHeavilylndebtedPoorCountries Initiative by early next year.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“Peace and stability in Somalia require strong institutions to protect the human rights of citizens and build trust in the State. I call on the central Government and federal member states to reach an agreement on the justice and corrections model and establish the constitutional court, judicial services commission and human rights commission. Among other priority legislation, I urge expedited consideration and passage of the sexual offences bill by Parliament. Insecurity remains a major challenge to making progress in Somalia. Al-Shabaab continues to execute deadly terrorist attacks against civilians and military targets.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“With respect to relations with Somaliland, we urge authorities in both Mogadishu and Hargeisa to focus on the needs of the population and to remain open-minded about new initiatives to encourage dialogue. With parliamentary elections also expected in Somaliland in 2020, it is important that political freedoms and human rights be respected there, too. The Federal Government has committed to adopting an amended federal constitution by June 2020. Somali leaders and stakeholders must now redouble their efforts to complete that foundational document. It must address the central issues of the federal model, such as the allocation of powers, the structure of Government and the status of the capital, Mogadishu, and guarantee women's political representation.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“At the same time, I call on all political leaders to act with responsibility, to eschew violence and to protect the integrity of national institutions. Somalis are also paying close attention to reconciliation and electoral processes at the federal member state level. Reconciliation efforts in Galmudug state now face challenges as competition intensifies over the composition of the parliament. Tensions in Jubaland resulting from the disputed electoral process in August continue to pose risks of violence, clan divisions and even external intervention if not carefully managed. We urge that those situations be addressed through dialogue, compromise and pragmatism.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“I also commend the Government for naming the national electoral security task force in September, which must now urgently begin its important work. While that technical progress is encouraging, I must again underscore the need for Somalis to forge a broad political consensus on the electoral system for 2020. In that regard, I very much welcome yesterday's meeting between President Farmajo and his two predecessors and encourage more such consultations. As the election approaches, I call on authorities at all levels of Government to ensure that political space is preserved. Citizens must have the right to speak out, to access media, to organize and meet and to travel to engage fellow Somalis throughout the country.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“After more than a year without effective cooperation between the central Government and key federal member states, the situation has become an obstacle to improving and achieving important national priorities. Somalia's leaders must act urgently to break the stalemate between the centre and the federal member states in the interest of the nation. Political dynamics in Somalia are increasingly driven by a focus on the 2020 election. I wish to underscore the critical importance of Parliament passing the electoral code and adopting amendments to the law on political parties before the end of December. Any delay in that timeline puts the 2020 electoral calendar at risk. I commend the Government for confirming an initial tranche of financing towards costs related to voter registration.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“To boost prospects for further advances in 2020, the Somali Government hosted the Somalia Partnership Forum on 1 and 2 October, which identified critical priorities for 2020 and defined specific objectives and timelines in a mutual accountability framework agreed with partners. Progress on the ambitious agenda for 2020 will require a high degree of political consensus. That will entail dialogue and compromise between the central Government and federal member states, between the executive and legislature, between current office holders and those now out of power and between elite leaders and those community elders, civil society organizations and women's and youth groups who give voice to so many Somalis.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“Somalia remains on the path to debt relief, with favourable assessments by the International Monetary Fund and strong creditor support. A new national development plan was adopted by the Government in September and will guide international partner programmes. Somali National Army troops have held territory they captured from Al-Shabaab earlier this summer in Lower Shabelle. On the diplomatic front, President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo and his Kenyan counterpart, President Uhuru Kenyatta, met last week and announced plans to normalize bilateral relations that had been strained since February.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“Mr. Swan: I congratulate you, Madam President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of November. I am honoured to report to the Council today on the situation in Somalia. Let me begin by recognizing the important progress achieved in Somalia over the past decade. That progress has included building national and federal member state institutions, scoring significant military gains against Al-Shabaab, enhancing economic growth and improved public sector management. Somalis want to see that progress consolidated in 2020 and, indeed, made irreversible, and so do their international partners and friends. I am pleased to confirm a number of examples of further progress since my previous report to the Council three months ago (see S/PV.8601).”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source