Somalia: Official United Nations report on election process, ongoing security challenges
James Swan, acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), briefed Security Council in New York with Mohammed El-Amine Souef, Head of the AU Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
UNSOM’s mandate expires at the end of the month and Somalia has proposed a two-year process to transfer the mandate to national authorities and UN Country Teams. ATMIS is expected to leave Somalia later this year and troop withdrawals continue.
amend the constitution
Mr. Thien Nga tick Recent progress has been made on the political front.
In March, the Somali parliament amended the first four chapters of the interim constitution and the constitution review committee is currently studying the next five chapters.
Consultations have begun with federal member states, civil society and other key stakeholders on the proposed amendments to these chapters. That includes sharing power and resources between the central government and federal member states.
Universal suffrage elections
Progress has also been made in defining a one-person, one-vote election plan. The Federal Cabinet has passed three bills related to this process, including issues such as the establishment of an independent boundary commission.
“The planned transition from the previous indirect election system to the new universal election system will require broad and comprehensive consultation and the readiness of all stakeholders,” he said. Participate in dialogue to build political consensus.
Against Al-Shabaab
Meanwhile, the fight against Al-Shabaab continues to be a key security priority for the Government. Mr. Swan noted that while Somalia is making commendable efforts to maintain military operations against rebels, building up its forces is a challenge.
At the same time, authorities are also taking over security responsibilities from ATMIS, planning a transition to the new AU Stabilization and Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and implementing key programs in the areas area has recovered.
The lifting of the arms embargo on the national government has facilitated the country’s access to more weapons and supplies, he added. Security Council Resolution 2713passed last December.
Stand up against terrorism
Mr. Swan said Al-Shabaab “continues to demonstrate its disregard for civilian life” through the use of indirect fire on population centers, the use of improvised explosive devices and suicide attacks. deaths, including “atrocious” ones August 2 suicide bombing and mass shooting at Lido beach in Mogadishu.
While emphasizing the United Nations’ condemnation of such attacks, he reiterated his support for the Government and people of Somalia in its stance against terrorism and violent extremism.
“In this regard, I also draw attention to the growing presence and activity of the Somali branch of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh),” he said.
Resolve regional tensions
The UN envoy also expressed concern about continued tensions in the region due to the Memorandum of Understanding announced in January between Ethiopia and “Somaliland”, the breakaway region in the north.
He called on Ethiopia and Somalia to work towards a diplomatic solution to resolve the issue and praised mediation efforts, including those of Türkiye.
Millions of people are in need
Furthermore, he called for de-escalation of tensions in the Sool and Sanaag regions as well as continued humanitarian outreach.
Overall, humanitarian needs remain critical across Somalia, where millions of people continue to be affected by increasing climate shocks, conflict, disease outbreaks and widespread poverty.
Although an estimated 6.9 million people need assistance this year, down from 8.3 million in 2023, the need is severe, yet the $1.6 billion humanitarian plan is only 37% funded.
Mohammed El-Amine Souef (on screen), Special Representative of the Chairman of the African Union Commission in Somalia and Head of the African Union Transitional Delegation to Somalia, summarizes the Security Council meeting on the situation domestic image.
Regional stability is at risk
Mr. Souef praised Somalia’s commitment to promoting national stability and development, and welcomed efforts to resolve the dispute with Ethiopia.
Regarding Al-Shabaab, he noted that reports of the group purchasing missiles and armed drones were a further source of concern.
“Similarly, the growing risk of infiltration and cooperation between Al-Shabaab and the Houthis is a significant security challenge,” he said, referring to the rebel group in Yemen.
This development is “threatening regional stability in the Horn of Africa as well as maritime and shipping routes in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean and Mozambique Strait.”
As Somali authorities advance their security development plans, he emphasized the need to strengthen existing security frameworks to be able to address emerging threats.
Mr. Soeuf reported “remarkable progress” in transferring security responsibilities from ATMIS to the Somali security forces before they left in December.
The latest phase of troop withdrawal has seen six of the eight designated Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) transferred to Somali authorities. Hopefully the remaining 2 apartments will be handed over by the end of the month.
ATMIS is scheduled to depart from Somalia on December 31, and the AU’s new mission, AUSSOM, will begin on January 1.
