UNSC Briefing on UN Mission in Somalia

[25 May 2021]

India statement by Mr. R. Ravindra,

Deputy Permanent Representative & Political Coordinator

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Thank you, Mr. President.

My delegation also joins others in thanking the Chinese Presidency for resuming in-person meetings in the Council Chamber.

2. Let me begin by thanking SRSG James Swan for updating us on the latest report of the Secretary General on Somalia and the implementation of mandates of UNSOM and UNSOS. I  thank Special Representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of AMISOM Ambassador Francisco Madeira for his briefing. I welcome the presence of Foreign Minister of Somalia H. E. Mohamed Abdirizak and thank him for his update.

3. The developments of last three months reflect the complex nature of the political dynamics in Somalia. The political brinkmanship of certain Somali leaders and some of the federal states has created new challenges to the electoral process. The decisions taken a few weeks back, by constitutional bodies and authorities brought the electoral process to a standstill and created further uncertainty. The fact that these developments took place despite repeated calls by the international community including this Council, seeking forward movement on elections, is disappointing. These developments threaten to derail the expectations of the international community, from Somalia for this year. While the constitutional bodies have taken some measures to redeem the situation by rescinding the decision on the Special Electoral Bill, the entire episode has cast doubts about the electoral cycle. We need leadership at this juncture from all stakeholders to put the country back on the path to a representative democracy. In this context, the consultative meeting that is currently taking place in Mogadishu, among the signatories of the 17 September agreement, provides some positive direction. We also welcome SRSG’s update on developments in the last two days.

4. The 17 September agreement remains the basis for all stakeholders to work and agree on all aspects of electoral issues. We join other council members in reiterating the call on the Somali leadership, both Federal Government of Somalia and Federal Member States, to work constructively to resolve contentious issues so that elections are held without further delay. Resorting to violence and unilateral actions must be avoided, as they will only compound problems for the people of Somalia.

5. It is worrisome that the political stalemate has emboldened Al-Shabaab, as is evident from increasing attacks and security incidents. In the last three months, Al-Shabaab has targeted both Somali security forces and AMISOM. We strongly condemn all attacks against innocent civilians. The worsening security situation requires an effective response led by the Somali security forces. The authorities need to redouble their efforts to fast track the Transition Plan. In this regard, we welcome the revised Somali Transition Plan. We hope that the funds to support the Somali Transition Plan can be augmented sufficiently in the coming months.

6. The aggravating humanitarian situation, impact of Covid pandemic and desert locust, remains a cause for concern. We reiterate the call of the Secretary General for donor support to the UN Humanitarian Response Plan, which has realized only 1/5^th of its requirements so far.

7. The unpredictable political and security situation necessitates against eagerness on AMISOM drawdown. AMISOM has been playing an important role in stabilizing the security situation and fighting  Al-Shabab. The worsening security situation and strengthening of Al-Shabab will impact not just Somalia but its neighbours as well. India commends and pays tribute to all AMISOM troop and police contributing countries for their sustained commitment and for the sacrifices they have made. Renewing its commitment to peace and stability in Somalia and the Horn of Africa, India has recently contributed a sum of US$ 1 million to the United Nations Trust Fund in support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

8. India and Somalia are linked by two millennia of shared history and culture. We are neighbours across the seas. Till the late 1980s, Mogadishu, Kismayo and other Somali cities had thriving Indian communities. Even today, India is home to many Somalis and is a popular destination for students and medical treatment seekers. India has contributed a significant number of peacekeepers and naval and air assets to UN operations in early 1990s. Over the last several years, India has been training Somali government officials and students through capacity building programmes. Recently, we also donated 27 buses to Somalia. A stable, peaceful and prosperous Somalia is what we wish for. India will continue to support Somalia and the Somali people in these challenging times towards that objective. I thank you Mr. President.

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