Security Council Press Statement on Somalia

 

The following press statement was issued today by Security Council President Ruhakana Rugunda (Uganda):

The members of the Security Council expressed their concern at the continued instability in Somalia and the deteriorating humanitarian situation.  They reaffirmed their support for the Djibouti Agreement and peace process as the basis for the resolution of the conflict in Somalia, and reiterated their full support to the Transitional Federal Government in its efforts to achieve peace, security and reconciliation.  They called on the Transitional Federal Government to ensure cohesion, remain united and redouble its efforts on reconciliation and the completion of the remaining transitional tasks, in particular the constitution-making process.

The members of the Security Council expressed their support for the work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Augustine Mahiga, and the efforts of the United Nations and the African Union to promote peace and reconciliation in Somalia.  The members of the Security Council welcomed the appointment of Jerry Rawlings as the new African Union High Representative for Somalia and noted the decisions adopted by the African Union Summit held in Kampala, Uganda, on 10 July 2010 and the recommendations of the ministerial meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council held in Addis Ababa, on 15 October 2010.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), and expressed their continued appreciation for the commitment of troops by the Governments of Burundi and Uganda.  The members of the Security Council called on the international community to provide additional resources to AMISOM in order for it to better fulfil its mandate, and stressed the importance of predictable, reliable and timely provision of resources to AMISOM.  They also stressed the importance of international assistance to train, equip and build the capacity of the Somali national security forces, as well as support in other sectors and State institutions of the country.

The members of the Security Council condemned any attacks on the Transitional Federal Government, AMISOM and the civilian population by armed groups, foreign fighters and their supporters, who undermine peace and stability in Somalia.  The members of the Security Council called on all parties, especially the armed opposition groups, to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law.

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For information media • not an official record