Source: United Nations (Video News)
Briefing by Mr. James Swan, the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia, on the Somalia – Security Council, 9740th meeting.
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The chief of the UN mission in Somalia (UNSOM) James Swan said that the mission will work closely with the Federal Government to implement the transition from UNSOM to a UN country team and to continuing its support to Somalia’s national priorities once a mandate is received from this Council.
The Acting Special Representative for Somalia briefed the Council today (03 Oct) on the situation in the country.
On elections, Swan noted that the transition from the previous indirect electoral system to the planned new system of universal suffrage will require broad and inclusive consultations, and a willingness of all stakeholders to engage in dialogue in order to build political consensus. He welcomed the meeting of the National Consultative Council.
He said that the adoption of implementable electoral laws and the establishment of an independent elections commission will be important indicators of progress toward delivering universal suffrage elections.
Swan stressed, “The United Nations is committed to supporting Somalia to address technical, logistical and other challenges and to mobilize financial support from donors to deliver timely and credible elections.”
The fight against Al-Shabaab continues to be the key security priority for the Government of Somalia, the Mission’s chief reiterated, adding that while making commendable efforts to sustain military operations against Al Shabaab, Somalia is at the same time tackling the challenges of force generation; taking over security responsibilities from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS); planning the transition to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM); and implementing crucial stabilisation programmes in recovered areas.
“The United Nations continues to support the Federal Government on these activities, working closely with the African Union and other partners,” Swan reiterated.
He continued, “The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) continues to enable the ATMIS drawdown while fulfilling its ongoing support responsibilities.”
The Acting Special Representative continued, “ The lifting of the arms embargo on the national government has facilitated its access to additional weapons and supplies, and I remind other entities operating in Somalia of the requirement to respect the arms embargo established by resolution 2713.”
Al-Shabaab continues to demonstrate its disregard for civilian life, through its use of indirect fire on population centres, mainly Mogadishu and Baidoa, the use of improvised explosive devices, and suicide attacks against civilians, including the heinous 2 August attack on the Lido Beach in Mogadishu.
Swan underscored the condemnation issued by the Secretary-General of such attacks and reiterated the United Nations’ support to the Government and people of Somalia as” they stand against terrorism and violent extremism.”
He also note with concern the increased presence and activities of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh).