UNSC briefing on UNSOM [Somalia]

[Monday, 23 May 2022; 1500 hrs]

***

Thank you, Madam President. I thank SRSG James Swan and AU SRCC Francisco Madeira for their respective briefings on the latest developments in Somalia. I also welcome the presence of Permanent Representative of Somalia in today’s meeting.

2. The people of Somalia have the unique honor of being Africa’s first democrats. The culmination of election process, though delayed, is an opportunity to revive that legacy. The democratic process in Somalia, despite its constraints, has finally resulted in peaceful transfer of power. This would not have been possible but for the resolve and commitment of the Somalian leadership as well as the persistent efforts of IGAD, the African Union, the UN and the international community. We welcome these developments and congratulate the people of Somalia and its leadership. We also extend our best wishes to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and fondly recall his long standing association with India.

3. The challenges to the new Government in Somalia are many. The security situation has remained worrisome, with Al Shabaab continuing to perpetrate attacks in the recent months against Somali security forces, AMISOM and AU Transition Mission (ATMIS). Al Shabaab terror attack on ATMIS Forward Operating Base in Elbaraf on 3 May has once again demonstrated its striking power. We express deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the ten Burundian peacekeepers who were martyred in the attack and to the Government and people of the Republic of Burundi. Terrorism is the biggest threat to Somalia and Horn of Africa region. Preventing terror outfits such as Al Shabaab from accessing financial resources is crucial. Equally important is to recognize and address linkages between terrorism and transnational organized crime.

4. Against this background, we encourage the new Government to take measures to strengthen the security forces and address the governance issues in the areas dominated by Al Shabaab. The challenges posed by Al Shabaab require concerted efforts and action from countries in the region.

5. The implementation of Somali Transition Plan and national security architecture need to be prioritized with better coordination and integration of regional security forces. The AU Transition Mission has several onerous responsibilities, primarily to reduce the threat posed by terror group Al Shaabab. We note with concern that the financing issues of ATMIS is yet to be resolved. Ensuring sustainable and predictable funding for ATMIS is an obligation of the international community. The consolidation of security gains achieved in Somalia in the recent years also require constant support from the international community to Somalia and ATIMIS.

6. The international community should not lose sight of the humanitarian situation in Somalia. 7.7 million are need of urgent assistance, especially in the wake of the worst drought in the Horn of Africa in 40 years putting millions at risk of famine. Scaling up humanitarian efforts must be a top priority, as the 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan, requiring $ 1.5 billion remains barely funded.

7. India and Somalia share two millennia of civilizational exchanges across the seas. India continues to support Somalia through developmental assistance and capacity building programs. As the new Government in Somalia takes charge, we reiterate our commitment to support Somalia and its people.

***