UNHCR Somalia: Operational Update 1-31 March 2021
Format
In March, the operational environment remained challenging across the country. The context was largely shaped by the delayed elections and volatile security situation.
Somalia also continued to battle the new wave of COVID-19. The increased number of COVID-19 cases resulted in UNHCR ramping up its prevention of and response to the pandemic.
Despite the challenging operational environment, UNHCR continued to provide protection, assistance and solutions to persons of concern across the country
Update on Achievements
Operational Context
The electoral impasse continued throughout March, despite multiple discussions between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States on the organization of the elections. The UN and the wider international community continued to call for a rapid solution to the deadlock.
By Liban A. Ahmad
The 4.5 powersharing system sinks the government, according to Amin Amir, the prominent Somali cartoonist
Two fun facts about the Somali politics give an insight into how state-building efforts in Somalia stall. The former President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called on Somali security forces to disobey the government (
desert could be the correct verb). The incumbent President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed told a Shabelle Television reporter that “it is pity that a foreign country is being consulted on Somalia’s security.” After all, is not Somalia dependent on foreign peacekeepers? Did not Kenya invade Somalia in 2011 on grounds of national security, and, in 2012 capture Kismayo from Al-shabaab? For the first time the International Community uncharacteristically underlined the potential security risks to Somalia’s neighbours if the political deadlock over elections continues.
The United States and European Union say Somalia risks facing sanctions if it fails to resume talks to end its deadlock over elections. But President Mohamed has extended his mandate despite the international criticism.
Date Time
Somalia: United States Opposes Federal Government Term Extensions
The United States is deeply disappointed by the Federal Government of Somalia’s decision to approve a legislative bill that extends the mandates of the president and parliament by two years.
We have stressed repeatedly that it is vital for the peace, stability, prosperity, and governance of Somalia that the Federal Government and Federal Member States reach a consensus on a way forward for the electoral process. We have also made clear that the United States does not support mandate extensions without broad support from Somalia’s political stakeholders, nor does the United States support parallel or partial electoral processes. Such actions would be deeply divisive, undermine the federalism process and political reforms that have been at the heart of the country’s progress and partnership with the international community, and divert attention away from countering al-Shabaab. They will also further de