Security Council Press Statement on Somalia
On Thursday, 28thJanuary the members of the Security Council were briefed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Michael Keating, and theSpecial Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson for Somalia (SRCC),Francisco Madeira, on the situation in Somalia. The members of the Security Council expressed their full support for SRSG Keating and SRCC Madeira as they begin their assignments at a critical time for the future of Somalia. The members of the Security Council also looked forward to the imminent deployment of a new Force Commander for AMISOM.
The members of the Security Council welcomed the decision on an electoral model announced by the Federal Government of Somalia on 27 January. The members of the Security Council commended the Federal Government of Somalia for seeking a consensus on an electoral model for 2016; and commended the leaders of Somalia's existing and emerging federal member states for the serious efforts they made, over several months, to reach a compromise.
The members of the Security Council welcomed the recent inclusive Somali-led discussions on an electoral model. The members of the Security Council underlined that holding a peaceful, transparent electoral process in 2016 will mark a historic step forward for all Somalis, and will be fundamental for the country's continued progress towards democracy and stability. The members of the Security Council welcomed the Government of Somalia's commitment to hold an electoral process in 2016. And in this context, the members of the Security Council recalled Security Council resolution 2232 (2015) which set out their expectation that there shall be no extension of the electoral process timelines in Somalia.
The members of the Security Council recognised that the proposed model requires compromises from all parties and renewed their call for all key actors and institutions in Somalia, including Parliament, to set aside their differences and engage constructively in the political process, without further delay. The members of the Security Council recalled that individuals engaged in any acts which threaten the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia may be listed for targeted measures.
The members of the Security Council reiterated their strong condemnation of recent Al Shabaab attacks and paid tribute to AMISOM and the Somali National Army for their efforts in reducing the threat posed by Al Shabaab. The members of the Security Council underlined the importance of the continuation of offensive operations against Al Shabaab by the Somali National Army and AMISOM, in a well coordinated manner and in line with the qualitative improvements requested in Security Council resolution 2232 (2015), and in full compliance with applicable international law. In that context, the members of the Security Council looked forward to the outcomes of the planned summit level meeting of AMISOM troop contributors. The members of the Security Council stressed the importance of rapidly developing capable and sustainable Somali security forces, including the army and police, that can provide the security and stability necessary for governance and economic development to take hold.
The members of the Security Council welcomed the political and security progress in Somalia since 'the transition' ended in 2012. The members of the Security Council underlined the importance of the electoral process in 2016, completion of the Federal process and the constitutional review process in truly consolidating that progress. The members of the Security Council underlined in particular the need for agreeing the electoral process in a wide-ranging and consultative manner, including with women and across Somali society. The members of the Security Council also noted the importance of adhering to the political roadmap between now and 2020, in particular in order to reach one person one vote elections by 2020.
The members of the Security Council appealed to all those involved in discussions on the electoral process to seize this historic opportunity to deliver more representative governance to the people of Somalia. The members of the Security Council further underlined their determination to play a constructive and active role in the months ahead.