UNSC Briefing on Somalia

[Tuesday, 28 September 2021; 1500 hrs(EDT)]

INDIA STATEMENT

By

Mr. Prakash Gupta

Joint Secretary (UNP)

Thank you, Madam President. I thank DSG Amina Mohammed for her briefing on the recent visit to Mogadishu. I also thank Dr Shukria Dini for sharing the perspective of the civil society.

2. As we continue to closely monitor developments in Somalia, I would like to underline the importance of keeping our priorities very clear. Somalia has witnessed a long period of uncertainty over the elections to the legislative bodies mandated by the transitional constitution. Therefore, holding of elections and formation of a new government is of topmost priority for Somalia today. We hope that the Somali leadership will continue to move forward with the ongoing process of elections. The international community and the UN need to continue supporting these efforts. In this context, we welcome the visit of DSG and the message of solidarity conveyed to the people of Somalia. The peaceful conduct of elections within the agreed timelines and in accordance with the 17 September and 27 May agreements is important for the democratic future of Somalia.

3. We also note that the Somali political leadership, both at the level of Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and Federal Member States (FMS), have shown commitment to the election process. In view of recent developments reflecting disagreement within the Somali Government, the ongoing elections to the upper house is reassuring. We hope elections to the lower house will also be held as per the schedule.

4. India supports the call for the inclusion of women across all sectors of society to advance peace and stability in Somalia. We hope that the 30 percent quota for women representation in the parliament is achievable given the fact women candidates had won 24 percent of the total parliamentary seats in its last elections. Women can play a vital role in conflict resolution and post-conflict reconciliation. We support greater role for women in the decision-making process.

5. Lastly, Madam President, the delays in holding the elections have enabled Al-Shabab to consolidate its hold and gain ground further. The recent attacks carried out by Al-Shabab demonstrate this trend. We strongly condemn the terror attacks by Al-Shabaab. We reiterate our full support to the operations conducted by the Somali forces and AMISOM against Al-Shabaab. We cannot afford to lose sight of our fight against terrorism, while we focus on the ongoing elections.

I thank you Madam President.

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