James Swan, head of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) briefed ambassadors noting that the Somali authorities is prioritising safety and combating Al-Shabaab fighters on many fronts.
“For its part, Al-Shabaab remains determined to continue terrorist attacks with little regard for the loss of civilian life,” he mentioned. “I condemn these terrorist attacks and extend my condolences to the families of those killed.”
Mr. Swan mentioned that present AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) forces are leaving the areas as a part of a “planned transition of responsibilities to Somali security forces” with the assistance of the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).
He famous that 5,000 ATMIS troops have left Somalia since June 2023, and additional reductions are deliberate over the approaching weeks.
Humanitarian needs and local weather change
Mr. Swan, who can also be the performing Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, knowledgeable Council members that the humanitarian state of affairs stays “dire.”
SRSG Swan briefing the Security Council on the state of affairs in Somalia.
More than 3.8 million individuals stay displaced and excessive climate, insecurity and illness outbreaks are all growing demand for lifesaving assist.
He mentioned these challenges will be addressed by investments to bolster the “longer-term resilience” of communities, infrastructure and the economic system.
“At the current rate, the impact of climate change is outpacing our ability to support adaptation and humanitarian response,” he mentioned.
Mr. Swan urged worldwide companions to offer funding to fulfill humanitarian needs, because the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which required $1.6 billion as of Sunday, is just 24 per cent funded.
Regional tensions
Also in his briefing, Mr. Swan famous tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia and urged each nations to resolve their variations peacefully.
“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,” he mentioned.
ATMIS actions
El-Amine Souef, head of the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), described ongoing counterterrorism operations.
Mr. Souef briefing the Security Council on the state of affairs in the nation.
He informed ambassadors that Al-Shabaab stays resilient, pointing to current assaults on Somali Security Forces (SSF) in the Galmudug area and on the ATMIS camp in Southwest state.
“The group still retain[s] the ability to conduct devastating attacks, including employing asymmetric tactics, and organising complex operations on civilians and security targets,” he mentioned.
ATMIS’ Head mentioned 2,000 troops will depart by the tip of June 2024, and the remaining 2,000 on the finish of September 2024, as a part of the transition of safety duty from ATMIS to the SSF.
Mr. Souef mentioned he welcomes the transitions however famous that native leaders, communities and others expressed concern concerning the potential of “a need to secure strategic locations and strengthen territorial control” with an elevated SSF.
He mentioned in order set up lasting peace, safety and growth in Somalia past 2024, there needs to be a clean and orderly transition in addition to, “building capacity, strengthening security institutions, countering Al-Shabaab and securing critical infrastructures.”