UN Security Council extends UNSOM mandate to focus more on election

UNSOM requested to strengthen its presence in the country “as the security situation allows” [Photo: UNSOM]

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United Nations Assistance Mission to Somalia [UNSOM] will have to stay in Somalia until 31 May 2022, the United Nations Security Council [UNSC] announced, adding that the team should focus more on strengthening presence in the country.

In resolution Number 2592 of 2021, UNSC decided that UNSOM should continue to coordinate United Nations efforts, maximizing joint approaches and programming, in full cooperation with the Federal Government of Somalia and the federal member states, focused in particular on supporting the acceleration of Government-led inclusive politics.

The decision comes amid ongoing elections in the Horn of Africa nation, which had been delayed due to internal wrangles. Currently, the country is preparing for parliamentary elections which would be followed by presidential polls later on this year.

The Council urged the Federal Government and federal member states to create a conducive political and security climate for inclusive elections across Somalia, fostering political pluralism, ensuring political space for the rights of legally constituted political parties, and upholding the rights to free expression, association, peaceful assembly and movement.

On the security front, the Council strongly condemned continued attacks by Al-Shabaab and urged Somalia’s authorities, the African Union Mission in Somalia [AMISOM], and the United Nations to work closely on strengthening safety for United Nations and African Union facilities and staff.

In addition, the Council strongly condemned any misuse or obstruction of humanitarian assistance, calling on the Federal Government and federal member states to support and implement durable solutions for internal displacement, including local integration or resettlement, and to create the conditions conducive for the voluntary, safe and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced persons.

China's representative said the international community is facing a major adjustment of its security arrangement in Somalia, noting that UNSOM’s mandate renewal is conducive to helping the country achieve its security and political transition. As such, China voted in favour of the resolution.

“Colleagues from Somalia do not need to be mentored by the Security Council on how to defend human rights,” said Russia's representative, stressing: “They are perfectly capable of preparing and implementing bills on this issue themselves.” Artificial recipes from outside will hardly be successful in Somalia, she said.

The United States commended the cooperative spirit in which they led the process. His delegation supported the text because “we remain committed to Somalia” and because tailored, appropriate support and assistance from UNSOM to the Somali people remains critical at this time of political transition.

“This is a moment of tremendous opportunity for Somalia,” he said, urging the Federal Government to promote cooperation with the federal member states and to coordinate with all partners in ensuring that UNSOM remains fit-for-purpose.

GAROWE ONLINE