Somalia’s Ambassador to the United Nations, H.E. Abukar Osman Baalle, addressed the Security Council on 17 November during an open debate on conflict-related food insecurity. He spoke plainly about the link between war and hunger, and he said the world needs stronger action to stop both.
He thanked Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio for organizing the debate. He also thanked senior UN officials and experts who briefed the Council.
The ambassador said conflict drives hunger in many regions, and hunger can also make countries weaker and easier to destabilize. He pointed to Resolution 2417, which warns that hunger used as a weapon is a threat to peace. He noted that the 2025 Global Report on Food Crises shows the number of people facing severe hunger keeps rising. He said this trend demands stronger global cooperation.
He highlighted progress and effort in Africa. He pointed to the African Union’s Kampala Declaration, which aims to build stronger agriculture systems and support stability. He said these efforts focus on Africa’s own priorities. They aim to lift communities, support local economies, and help countries withstand future shocks. He also mentioned the African Common Position on Humanitarian Effectiveness, which stresses regional solidarity and local leadership.
He said communities do better when they gain control over their own resources. He added that women play a central role in food production and family care, and their voices should guide policy.
The ambassador listed several priorities for action. He said the Council should improve early warning systems under Resolution 2417 and hold accountable those who use hunger as a weapon. He called for stronger partnerships that combine humanitarian aid, development, and peacebuilding. He stressed the need to place women at the center of food security efforts through better data and support for women farmers and workers.
He urged countries to provide stable and practical financing for national food security plans. He said investments in local production, fair markets, and rural infrastructure will bring long-term gains.
The ambassador closed by saying food should never be used to harm people or divide societies. He said tackling hunger is key to peace and stability. Somalia, he added, will continue to work with partners to build systems that give people food, opportunity, and hope.
