Briefing the UN Security Council on the situation in Somalia today, Acting UN Special Representative James Swan noted that “Somalia continues to pursue its key national priorities, including the constitutional review process, and the fight against Al-Shabaab.”
The next phase of the constitutional review will address complex issues, such as power- and resource-sharing under Somalia’s federal model, Mr. Swan told the UNSC. He noted the importance of these state-building questions. “I call on all Somali stakeholders to work together to resolve their differences and seek consensus.”
On the Ethiopia-‘Somaliland’ MoU, Mr. Swan recalled that the UNSC has repeatedly affirmed respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of Somalia. “I encourage Somalia and Ethiopia to resolve this matter peacefully in accordance with these principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity as enshrined in the UN Charter and international law.”
Acting UN Special Rep. James Swan told the UNSC that security remains a top priority for the Government of Somalia. As FGS-AU discuss post-2024 security planning, he appealed to “all partners to ensure predictable and sustainable financing for the follow-on arrangements as well as the necessary resources for ATMIS, which continues to face critical funding shortfalls.”
Updating on women in Somalia, Mr. Swan noted that legislation should include quotas to guarantee their meaningful representation in decision-making. He told the UNSC that the UN will continue to engage federal and member state governments on the importance of increasing and codifying women’s political participation.
“The humanitarian situation in Somalia remains dire,” noted Mr. Swan, adding that climatic events, insecurity and disease outbreaks have continued to exacerbate humanitarian needs. “The 2024 Somalia Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan requires $1.6 billion, but as of 11 June, it is only 22% funded. I urge international partners to provide the necessary funding.”
On the transition of UNSOM to the Country Team, Acting UN Special Rep. James Swan noted that the planning process is taken forward by a joint FGS-UN technical committee led by senior officials on both sides. “While still in their early stages, discussions to date have been cordial and constructive,” said Mr. Swan.
