Amid Political Tension, Spirit of Compromise among Somalia’s Leaders ‘an Urgent Necessity Going Forward’, Special Representative Tells Security Council
Format
8779TH MEETING (AM)
Following weeks of mounting political tension, Somalia’s leaders have walked “back from the brink” and resumed talks in the capital, where a positive atmosphere prevails and an agreement on electoral arrangements is now anticipated imminently, the senior United Nations official in the country told the Security Council this morning.
James Swan, who is the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), spoke via videoconference to delegates gathered in the Security Council Chamber for the first time since December 2020, when the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a return to remote work arrangements.
Ambassador Đặng Đình Quý, Permanent Representative of Việt Nam to the UN, strongly condemned the Al-Shabaab’s violence and attacks against civilians in Somalia and called on the Somalia Government to make efforts and take measures to ensure security of its civilians.
Statement by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, James Swan, to the Security Council on the Situation in Somalia, 25 May 2021
Format
Mr. President, Distinguished Members of the Council,
Thank you for the opportunity to brief on the situation in Somalia. I am pleased do so together again with the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira. This underscores the importance of the relationship between our two organisations in Somalia. AMISOM continues to play a critical role in Somalia every day, and I commend the bravery and determination of Somali and AMISOM forces as they advance peace and security in the country. I also look forward to the comments of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia,