UN Security Council welcomed the election of a new Somali President

The Security Council called today upon the newly-elected President of Somalia to pay urgent attention to the immediate risk of famine, take active steps to prevent it and address the consequences of the severe drought confronting the country.

In a statement read out by Volodymyr Yelchenko (Ukraine), its President for February, the Council welcomed the election of President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed “Farmajo” and the conclusion of Somalia’s electoral process.  He also commended former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on the swift transfer of power.

Welcoming Somalia’s progress on the security and political fronts since 2012, the Council reiterated the need for safe and unhindered access for the timely delivery of aid to those in need.  It appealed to donors to increase support to the Humanitarian Response Plan for Somalia and to appeals for assistance by Somali federal and regional authorities.

Emphasizing the importance of governing in an inclusive manner and adhering to the political road map, the Council commended the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) for its role in enabling the electoral process, adding that the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other international partners had also been instrumental.  Noting, in particular, the role of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in establishing peace and stability, the Council highlighted its part in ensuring security for the electoral process, thereby enabling voting to take place across the country.

Highlighting women’s important contribution to Somalia’s peacebuilding and State-building processes, the Council welcomed their increased representation in the Upper House and the House of the People.  He also underscored the importance of appointing Cabinet members in consultation with Parliament, calling upon that institution as well as all leaders to cooperate fully with the Federal Government in driving reform forward and addressing immediate priorities.

The Council stressed the Federal Government’s importance in enhancing efforts to strengthen Somalia’s security capabilities in moving towards the eventual handover of security responsibilities from AMISOM to national forces.  In that regard, the Council encouraged UNSOM to continue to undertake a comprehensive approach to security, in close coordination with the Somali authorities, AMISOM and international partners.

Underlining the need to ensure progress in the Somali-led constitutional review process, the Council encouraged the Federal Government to promote a reconciliation process that would engender local, national and regional cohesion, a climate of respect for human rights and increased transparency.  It urged the new Administration to lay the foundations for inclusive and transparent elections in four years’ time, including by ensuring that public office could not be won through harassment, intimidation, corruption or manipulation

GAROWEONLINE