Somalia: UN mission's mandate extends for 12 months

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia [UNSOM] will continue working in the country for an extra 12 months, the United Nations Security Council has approved, while applauding significant progress made in the stabilization process of the country.

With the country actively engaged in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants, UNSOM has been assisting the Horn of Africa nation with a stabilization mission, which involves peacekeeping and reconciliation. The latest decision was made through Resolution 2707 of 2023.

UNSOM, the council said, should continue maintaining a presence in the country with close consultation with the Federal Government of Somalia, the Federal Member States, and the African Union. The African Union is another critical player in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS].

“By the terms of the resolution, UNSOM is encouraged to coordinate United Nations efforts and support the Federal Government and Federal Member States in the acceleration of the implementation of the National Stabilization Strategy and State-Level Stabilization Plans and support peacebuilding,” a statement by the Security Council reads.

Although some progress has been made on security fronts, the council expressed dissatisfaction with the efforts to enforce humanitarian activities, citing violence, threats, and attacks targeting the staff of UNSOM. Medical personnel are always targeted, the statement read.

“The council demands that all parties allow and facilitate, in accordance with relevant provisions of international law, full, safe, rapid and unhindered access for the timely delivery of aid to persons in need across Somalia, in line with the humanitarian principles.”

The resolution also noted the need to address the persistent threat of terrorism facing the country and the use of improvised explosive devices adding that comprehensive assistance in the financial, technical, and security domains is crucial to assist Somalia at this critical juncture.

Somalia is actively fighting Al-Shabaab on several frontlines, including the recently concluded first phase of operations against the group in central regions. The second phase will target Jubaland and Southwest states but the date is yet to be announced by the military.

GAROWE ONLINE