UNSC briefing on United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM)

[Wednesday, 7 September 2022; 1000 hrs EST]

    India Statement

Thank you, Mr. President. 

I thank SRSG James Swan and Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ms.Fiona Lortan for their briefings on the latest developments in Somalia. I thank EU Special Representative Annette Weber for her insights. I also welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Somalia in today’s meeting.

2.    Following the successful conclusion of the elections in Somalia in May, the new government in Somalia has taken concrete shape with the appointment of the Prime Minister and his cabinet. The number of women in the cabinet has also increased. We welcome these positive developments. 

3.    However, the security situation in Somalia remains precarious and worrisome. The acts of terror perpetrated by Al-Shabaab continue in greater numbers and force, with IED attacks becoming commonplace.The deadly attack on the Hayat Hotel on 19 August and in Somalia’s central region on 3 September is yet another grim reminder of terrorism’s existential threat to Somalia. Al-Shabaab’s incursion into Ethiopia and the clashes on the Somali-Ethiopia border in Bakool region on 20 July testify to Al-Shabaab’s expanding scale of operations. India unequivocally condemns these attacks. Against this volatile security backdrop, the phased handover of security responsibilities from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the Somali security forces will be critical and will need to be calibrated to avoid security gaps. 

4.    It is imperative that the ongoing debate on addressing food security within the international community also focus on the severe drought in Somalia and the Horn of Africa. Addressing this dimension of food security in appropriate fora is crucial, given its far-reaching, detrimental consequences: over one million people have been displaced in Somalia and an estimated 45 percent of the population (7.1 million people) face acute food insecurity. Only 67 percent of the $1.5 billion 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan has been funded. Amid the drought and ensuing humanitarian crisis, we call on the international community tostand by Somalia in its hour of need.

5.    India welcomes the positive developments on women’s empowerment as stated in the SG’s (UN Secretary General) recent report, including the establishment of six women networks on peace across the federal member states.

6.    A stable security transition in Somalia demands firm leadership and collaboration of the Somali government and the African Union. The consistent support of international partners, in line with Somalia’s needs and expectations, will be crucial at this stage. We welcome the recent initiatives taken by the Government of Somalia to implement the Somalia Transition Plan. We also welcome the work being done by UNSOS (United Nations Support Office in Somalia) and UNMAS (United Nations Mine Action Service) on assisting the ATMIS transition, particularly the Somali army and police on counter-IED operations. We also noted the inaugural meeting of the Somali Navy and Coast Guard Working Group with the aim of enabling a coordinated approach in developing Somalia’s maritime sector. 

7.    In conclusion, Mr. President, India will continue to support Somalia and its peoplesto realize their collective aspirations for a stable, secure, and peaceful future.

I thank you Mr. President.