Security Council

6718^th Meeting (AM)

Security Council Requests African Union to Increase Troop Level of Somalia Mission

to 17,700, Establish Expanded Presence in Keeping with Strategic Concept

 

Resolution 2036 (2012) Adopted Unanimously; Also Expands Support Package

The Security Council today, welcoming the relocation of the Secretary-General’s Special Representative to Somalia and the United Nations Political Office (UNPOS) to its capital and commending the contribution of the African Union Mission (AMISOM) to lasting peace and stability in the country, requested that operation to increase, by more than 5,000, its troops and formed police units.

Unanimously adopting resolution 2036 (2012), under the Charter’s Chapter VII, the Council, seeking a force strength for AMISOM of 17,731, also clarified the Mission’s mandate by deciding that, in addition to the tasks it had earlier set out in its resolution 1772 (2007), the Mission should establish a presence in the four sectors set out in its own strategic concept of 5 January and be authorized to take all necessary measures in those sectors, in coordination with the Somali security forces, to reduce the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and other armed opposition groups in order to establish conditions for effective governance country-wide.

In connection with the increased troop level, the Council decided on an exceptional basis and owing to the unique character of AMISOM, to expand the support package to include the reimbursement of contingent-owned equipment, including force enablers and multipliers as described in the Secretary-General’s special report (document S/2012/74) and as set out in the annex to the resolution.

Emphasizing that the development of the Somali security forces was vital to ensure Somalia’s long-term security and stability, the Council requested AMISOM to expand its efforts to develop the capacity and effectiveness of the Somali security forces, and urged Member States, regional and international organizations to work with the Mission to provide coordinated assistance, training and support.

In that connection, the Council demanded that all parties and armed groups take appropriate steps to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and supplies, and that all parties ensure full and unhindered access for the timely delivery of humanitarian aid to persons in need.

Speaking after adoption, Mark Lyall Grant of the United Kingdom said that sponsoring the resolution was a response to the recognition that AMISOM needed the right support to help it work with the Somali security forces.  The resolution gave AMISOM the necessary troops and resources to help it capitalize on the gains made and increase the military pressure on Al-Shabaab, and he was grateful for the Council’s support.  Indeed, that marked an important step for the London Conference tomorrow, which would consider a wider approach to Somalia.

He said today’s text was based on the joint technical assessment mission and an African Union-United Nations strengthened strategic concept.  The Secretary-General’s report also provided a clear view on what AMISOM needed for progress, including strengthened troop levels and sustainable and predictable funding.  The resolution gave AMISOM those tools, as well as a clearer mandate.  It was important that military action be undertaken carefully and contribute to the wider political strategy, aimed at increasing the areas of stability and helping the political process by helping Somalis outside the capital take part in that process.  Expanding the areas outside Mogadishu in that way would put more pressure on Al-Shabaab.

He said that capacity-building should be at the heart of the effort by the United Nations, AMISOM and other regional organizations.  The United Kingdom recognized the latter’s important role in the pursuit of peace and security in Africa and elsewhere, and AMISOM demonstrated that. Today’s text provided AMISOM with the support it needed and deserved.

Susan Rice of the United States said that her delegation was pleased to have voted in favour of the text.  The Transitional Federal Government and AMISOM needed to work together in fighting Al-Shabaab, and the resolution furthered that goal.  It could make a decisive difference in countering terrorism and bringing peace.  It could also go a long way towards ensuring that tomorrow’s London conference was a success.  The United States would continue its support to AMISOM troop-contributing countries, which to date totalled some $338 million, and she hoped that other countries would do the same.  The United States looked forward to an ongoing conversation between the Council and the African Union on AMISOM’s needs and challenges.

However, she said that her delegation regretted that the current resolution did not include maritime support at this stage, as the United States believed such a component was valuable in achieving AMISOM’s overall objectives.  Nevertheless, with the resolution’s adoption, the Council was demonstrating its backing of an African-led strategy in Somalia.  The United States also welcomed today’s decision to include Kenyan contributors to AMISOM’s strategy and hoped other nations would join soon.  Of course, the situation in Somalia could not be resolved through military means alone.  The Transitional Federal Government must complete the Roadmap and other aims of the Djibouti agreement.  There must be no extension of the mandate of the Transitional Federal Government beyond 20 August.  The time for political progress was now.  She was pleased at the current move to cut off one of Al-Shabaab’s main funding sources via the charcoal ban.  That would also reduce a serious environmental threat, which exacerbated food insecurity in Somalia, and she urged all States to implement it.

João Maria Cabral of Portugal said his Government had always been supportive of the African Union’s efforts in Somalia, and as a Council member, Portugal had constructively engaged to address the African Union concerns and AMISOM’s needs.  Yet, it was important to bear in mind the current environment of global financial constraints, to which the United Nations peacekeeping budget was not immune.  As that was the case, it was necessary to broaden the international donor base of AMISOM and other activities under way in Somalia, and the forthcoming London conference should be instrumental in that regard.  He also stressed that the military commitment made by Member States should be accompanied by a commitment of Somali leaders to the political process.  Turning recent political decisions into actions would be a valuable step towards building a viable future for the Somalis.

Speaking for India, Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri said AMISOM was today the mainstay of the international community’s effort to stabilize the security situation in Somalia.  He strongly commended the troop contributors to AMISOM for their commitment and sacrifices.  Despite the Mission’s limited resources, it had made significant achievements over the last year in implementing its mandate.  It, therefore, deserved more international support.  He welcomed the new strategic concept developed jointly by the African Union and United Nations, which had the potential to accelerate stability.  That, in turn, would facilitate political stability and improve the social, economic and humanitarian situations.

He said he had voted in favour of the resolution for it strengthened AMISOM and provided it with more predictable and stable resources.  He was disappointed, however, that it did not include naval assets.  Force reinforcements were also necessary.  Easing the situation along the Somali coastline was essential as well, and he expected the Council would address those shortcomings when it next considered AMISOM’s mandate.

Baso Sangqu of South Africa welcomed the adoption of the text on enhancing AMISOM, which came at a critical time when the Transitional Federal Government was making significant progress in implementing the roadmap.  The security situation had also shown marked improvement, with AMISOM patrolling almost 90 per cent of Mogadishu, but that situation was still fragile.  The Secretary-General’s report stated that the revised African Union-United Nations joint strategic concept was the most pragmatic way forward, although it was confronted with risks and challenges.

He said he was not convinced that all the challenges had been taken into account.  He also regretted that not all of the text had been negotiated and that not all concerns had been taken on board, such as the essential maritime component.  He hoped all would be addressed in future texts.  He looked forward to the London conference and to a unified response to the security and humanitarian challenges.  He encouraged greater strategic coherence between the African Union and United Nations, adding that the only sustainable solution was through an all-inclusive Somali-led dialogue in line with the Djibouti plan.

On behalf of Germany, its Ambassador, Peter Wittig, said that his country had actively engaged in a European Union training meeting for Somalia security forces and other related activities under the European Union’s auspices.  The resolution just adopted recognized the support provided to Somalia by bilateral and regional organizations, and he called on all Member States and regional organizations, especially those that had not contributed so far, to do so.  On the eve of the London conference, the Council had shown its ongoing commitment to AMISOM and the African Union’s strategy.

However, he reiterated that all regional and international efforts would fail if comprehensive measures were not put in place that provided for a peaceful and decent life for the Somali people.  With that in mind, the current resolution urgently called for all Somali parties to comply with the road map and to press ahead with its implementation.  It also recalled the need to derail the efforts of those attempting to spoil the Somali political process.  The goal of all stakeholders must be the creation of a united and functioning Somali State, especially since AMISOM could not continue indefinitely.  The Government must promote a viable political process and deliver services to its citizens.  Elaborating a new Constitution would be sound step in that direction and lay the ground for AMISOM to leave after having successfully fulfilled its tasks.

Gérard Araud of France said the piracy situation in Somalia was most concerning and required priority international attention.  France hoped the resolution would continue to contribute to the success of AMISOM, in which staff were working under difficult circumstances.  More broadly, he said that the drawing up of a sound political strategy by Somali transitional officials was necessary and he hoped the upcoming London conference would help focus that endeavour.

He said the European Union was providing significant support for enhancing maritime and legal capacity in the region.  Somali authorities must be committed to combating piracy, including on the legal front.  Today, the European Union was financing more than 40 per cent of the United Nations peacekeeping and could not alone fund all Council decisions regarding Somalia.  He, therefore, called on other donors to contribute.

The meeting began at 10:15 a.m. and was adjourned at 10:40 a.m.

Resolution

The full text of resolution 2036 (2012) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Recalling all previous resolutions on the situation in Somalia, in particular resolution 2010 (2011), as well as other relevant presidential statements and resolutions on protection of civilians in armed conflict, women and peace and security, and children and armed conflict,

“Reaffirming its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia, and reiterating its commitment to a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the situation in Somalia,

“Reiterating its full support for the Djibouti Peace Process and the Transitional Federal Charter which provide the framework for reaching a lasting political solution in Somalia, reiterating its support for the Kampala Accord and the Roadmap to End the Transition (the “Roadmap”), and stressing the need for reconciliation, dialogue and broad-based, inclusive and representative Somali institutions,

“Stressing the primary responsibility of the Transitional Federal Institutions to implement the Roadmap, welcoming the progress to date, including the commitment shown by the Garowe Principles, but expressing concern that many of the deadlines for the completion of the tasks in the Roadmap have been missed which may delay the full implementation of the Roadmap,

“Urging the Transitional Federal Institutions and all Roadmap signatories to redouble their efforts to fully implement the Roadmap with the support of United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) and the international community, and noting that future support to the Transitional Federal Institutions for the remainder of the transitional period, would be contingent upon progress in completing the tasks in the Roadmap,

“Stressing the need for the Transitional Federal Government, with the support of the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM), and as a matter of urgency, to build an enhanced level of security in areas secured by AMISOM and the Somali security forces, and to build sustainable administrative structures in these areas,

“Noting that the transitional period in Somalia will end on 20 August 2012, emphasising that any further extension of the transitional period would be untenable and calling upon Somali parties to agree inclusive and representative post-transitional arrangements, in line with the Djibouti Agreement,

“Stressing the need for further efforts to fight corruption, promote transparency and increase mutual accountability in Somalia, and in this regard welcoming initiatives aimed at the more transparent and accountable management of Somali assets and internal and external financial resources to maximise public revenues for the benefit of the Somali people,

“Stressing the need for a comprehensive strategy in Somalia to address the political, economic, humanitarian and security problems in Somalia and the problem of piracy, including hostage-taking, off the coast of Somalia through the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, reiterating their full support to the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, Augustine P. Mahiga, in this regard, and for their work with the African Union and international and regional partners,

“Recognizing that peace and stability in Somalia depend on reconciliation and effective governance across the whole of Somalia and urging all Somali parties to renounce violence and to work together to build peace and stability,

“Welcoming the London Conference on Somalia, to be held on 23 February 2012, where coordinated international action to address the political, security, justice, stability, and piracy problems in Somalia, as well as humanitarian issues, will be further enhanced, and welcoming the upcoming Istanbul Conference on Somalia,

“Expressing grave concern at the dire humanitarian situation in Somalia, and its impact on the people of Somalia, in particular on women and children, and calling on all parties to ensure full and unhindered access for the timely delivery of humanitarian aid to persons in need of assistance across Somalia, consistent with humanitarian, human rights and refugee law,

“Reiterating its condemnation of all attacks on the Transitional Federal Government, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), United Nations personnel and facilities, and the civilian population by armed opposition groups, and foreign fighters, particularly Al-Shabaab, and stressing that Somali armed opposition groups and foreign fighters, particularly Al-Shabaab, constitute a terrorist threat to Somalia, and the international community,

“Noting the announcement that Al-Shabaab has joined Al-Qaida, stressing that there should be no place for terrorism or violent extremism in Somalia and reiterating its call upon all opposition groups to lay down their arms,

“Commending the contribution of AMISOM to lasting peace and stability in Somalia and efforts to bring stability and security to Mogadishu, expressing its appreciation for the continued commitment of troops and equipment to AMISOM by the Governments of Burundi and Uganda, and for the newly deployed troops from the Government of Djibouti and recognizing the significant sacrifices made by AMISOM forces,

“Welcoming the willingness of the Government of Kenya for Kenyan forces to be incorporated into AMISOM and so to contribute to the implementation of AMISOM’s mandate as set out in paragraph 9 of resolution 1772 (2007) and this resolution, stressing the importance of the prompt deployment of new AMISOM forces to reach its mandated level, and calling on other African Union Member States to consider contributing troops and provide support to AMISOM,

“Welcoming the work of the joint African Union and United Nations Technical Assessment Mission on AMISOM, noting the agreement by the African Union Peace and Security Council on a AMISOM Strategic Concept of 5 January 2012, and welcoming the Secretary-General’s Special Report on Somalia (S/2012/74),

“Recalling its authorisation in paragraph 1 of resolution 2010 (2011) that the Member States of the African Union maintain the deployment of AMISOM until 31 October 2012, and that AMISOM is authorised to take all necessary measures to carry out its existing mandate as set out in paragraph 9 of resolution 1772 (2007),

“Recalling paragraph 5 of resolution 2010 (2011) and noting its intention to review the force level of AMISOM when the mission reaches its mandated level of 12,000,

“Expressing concern that charcoal exports from Somalia are a significant revenue source for Al-Shabaab and also exacerbate the humanitarian crisis,

“Recalling its resolutions 1950 (2010), 1976 (2011), and 2020 (2011), expressing its grave concern at the threat posed by piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia, recognizing that the ongoing instability in Somalia contributes to the problem of piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia, stressing the need for a comprehensive response to tackle piracy, and hostage-taking, and its underlying causes by the international community and the Transitional Federal Institutions and welcoming the efforts of the Contact Group for Piracy Off the Coast of Somalia, States and international and regional organizations,

“Stressing the need to investigate, prosecute and to imprison when duly convicted pirates and those who illicitly finance, plan, organize or unlawfully profit from pirate attacks,

“Welcoming the relocation of the Secretary-General’s Special Representative to Somalia and an UNPOS office to Mogadishu and encouraging the United Nations to take further steps to achieve a more permanent and full relocation to Somalia, in particular Mogadishu, consistent with the security conditions, as outlined in the Secretary-General’s reports (S/2010/447) and (S/2009/210),

“Determining that the situation in Somalia continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,

“Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

“1.   Decides that in addition to the tasks set out in paragraph 9 of resolution 1772 (2007) AMISOM shall include establishing a presence in the four sectors set out in the AMISOM strategic Concept of 5 January, and AMISOM shall be authorised to take all necessary measures as appropriate in those sectors in coordination with the Somali security forces to reduce the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and other armed opposition groups in order to establish conditions for effective and legitimate governance across Somalia, further decides that AMISOM shall act in compliance with applicable international humanitarian and human rights law, in performance of this mandate and in full respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia;

“2.   Requests the African Union to increase AMISOM’s force strength from 12,000 to a maximum of 17,731 uniformed personnel, comprised of troops and personnel of formed police units;

“3.   Reiterates that regional organizations have the responsibility to secure human, financial, logistical and other resources for the work of their organizations, including through contributions by their members and support from partners, welcomes the valuable financial support provided by the African Union’s partners to AMISOM, including through bilateral support programmes and the African Peace Facility of the European Union, and calls upon all partners, in particular new donors, to support AMISOM through the provision of equipment, technical assistance, funding for troop stipends, and uncaveated funding to AMISOM to the United Nations Trust Fund for AMISOM;

“4.   Decides to expand the logistical support package for AMISOM, referred to in paragraphs 10 and 11 of resolution 2010 (2011), and as described in the Secretary-General’s letters (S/2009/60) and (S/2011 /591) to the Security Council, from a maximum of 12,000 uniformed personnel to a maximum of 17,731 uniformed personnel, until 31 October 2012, ensuring the accountability and transparency of expenditure of United Nations funds as set out in paragraph 6 of resolution 1910 (2010);

“5.   Recalls its request to the Secretary-General in paragraphs 10 and 12 of resolution 1863 (2009) related to transparency and proper accountability for resources provided to AMISOM, and requests that equal attention to resource transparency, accountability, and internal controls be applied to the additional UN support measures authorised to be provided to AMISOM and its troop-contributing countries in this resolution and the annex of this resolution;

“6.   Decides on an exceptional basis and owing to the unique character of the mission, to expand the logistical support package for AMISOM to include the reimbursement of contingent owned equipment including force enablers and multipliers as described in paragraphs 28 through 36 and 43 of the Secretary-General’s Special Report on Somalia (S/2012/74) and as set out in the annex to this resolution;

“7.   Stresses the importance of stabilising areas secured by AMISOM and the Somali security forces, calls upon all Somali stakeholders, with the support of the UN, the African Union and the international community, to promote reconciliation, law and order, the delivery of basic services and strengthen governance at district, regional, state and federal levels, including by supporting the delivery of Stabilisation Plans developed by Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Transitional Federal Government;

“8.   Requests the Secretary-General to continue to provide technical and expert advice to the African Union in the planning, deployment and management of AMISOM, through the United Nations Office to the African Union, including on the implementation of the AMISOM Strategic Concept and the AMISOM Concept of Operations;

“9.   Reiterates its request to the United Nations to work with the African Union to develop a guard force of an appropriate size, within AMISOM’s mandated troop levels, to provide security, escort and protection services to personnel from the international community, including the United Nations, as appropriate and without further delay;

“10.  Welcomes the intention of new troop-contributing countries to contribute to AMISOM and stresses that all new troops shall be integrated fully into the AMISOM command and control structures, and shall operate in accordance with AMISOM’s mandate as set out in paragraph 9 of resolution 1772 (2007) and this resolution;

“11.  Stresses that coordinated action by all contributors is critical for the peace, security and stability of Somalia and the region, and calls on other African Union Member States to consider contributing troops to AMISOM in order to help create the conditions when Somalia can be responsible for its own security;

“12.  Recognizes the importance of strengthening the capacity of regional and sub-regional organizations in conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict stabilization, and calls upon the African Union and donors to continue to work together to further enhance the effectiveness of African peacekeeping;

“13.  Recalls paragraph 13 of resolution 2010 (2011);

“14.  Emphasises that the development of the Somali security forces is vital to ensure Somalia’s long term security and stability, requests AMISOM to continue to expand its efforts to help develop the capacity and effectiveness of the Somali security forces, urges Member States, regional, and international organizations to work with in coordination with AMISOM to provide coordinated assistance, training and support and welcomes in this regard the training of Somalia security forces through the bilateral support programmes of Member States and the European Union Training Mission for Somalia (EUTM);

“15.  Notes the important role an effective police presence can play in the stabilisation of Mogadishu, stresses the need to continue to develop an effective Somali police force and welcomes the desire of the African Union to develop an operational police component within AMISOM;

“16.  Demands that all parties and armed groups take appropriate steps to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and supplies, and further demands that all parties ensure full and unhindered access for the timely delivery of humanitarian aid to persons in need of assistance across Somalia, consistent with humanitarian, human rights and refugee law;

“17. Recalling its resolutions 1674 (2006), 1738 (2006) and 1894 (2009) on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, welcomes the progress made by AMISOM in reducing civilian casualties during its operations, urges AMISOM to continue to undertake enhanced efforts in this regard, commends AMISOM’s commitment to establish a Civilian Casualty Tracking, Analysis and Response Cell (CCTARC), as referenced in the Secretary-General’s Report on Somalia (S/2011/759) of 9 December 2011, and calls on international donors and partners to further support the establishment of a CCTARC;

“18. Welcomes the endorsement by AMISOM of the 2011 indirect fire policy and encourages AMISOM to adapt and implement this policy for all new troops and assets;

“19. Recalls the Council’s decision in resolution 1844 (2008) and welcomes the determination by the international community, including the African Union, to take measures against both internal and external actors engaged in actions aimed at undermining the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia, including the Roadmap, as well as the efforts of AMISOM and the Somali security forces;

“20.  Underlines its intention to keep the situation on the ground under review and to take into account in its future decisions progress by AMISOM in meeting the following objectives:

(a)   Consolidation of security and stability throughout south central Somalia, including key towns, by the Somali security forces and AMISOM, on the basis of clear military objectives integrated into a political strategy;

(b)   Effective regional coordination and cooperation on security issues by AMISOM;

(c)   Assistance in the development of effective Somali security forces, with integrated units under a clear command and control structure and in coordination with the international community;

“21.  Requests the African Union to keep the Security Council regularly informed, through the Secretary-General, on the implementation of AMISOM’s mandate, including on the implementation of paragraphs 1 and 2 in this resolution and on the new command and control structure and integration of forces under this structure and report to the Council, through the provision of written reports, no later than 30 days after the adoption of this resolution and every 60 days thereafter;

“22.  Decides that Somali authorities shall take the necessary measures to prevent the export of charcoal from Somalia and that all Member States shall take the necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect import of charcoal from Somalia, whether or not such charcoal originated in Somalia; further decides that all Member States shall report to the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolutions 751 (1992) and 1907 (2009) concerning Somalia and Eritrea (“the Committee”) within 120 days of the adoption of this resolution on the steps they have taken towards effective implementation of this paragraph; and requests the Monitoring Group re-established pursuant to resolution 2002 (2011) to assess the impact of the charcoal ban in its Final Report;

“23.  Decides that the mandate of the Committee shall apply to the measures in paragraph 22 above; decides that the Monitoring Group’s mandate shall likewise be expanded; and considers that such commerce may pose a threat to the peace, security, or stability of Somalia, and therefore that the Committee may designate individuals and entities engaged in such commerce as subject to the targeted measures established by resolution 1844 (2008);

“24.  Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

“Resolution Annex

“In accordance with paragraph 6 of this resolution, on an exceptional basis and due to the unique character of AMISOM, the UN logistical support package for AMISOM shall be extended for a maximum of 17,731 uniformed personnel and 20 AMISOM civilian personnel based in AMISOM headquarters until 31 October 2012, in line with the recommendation in paragraphs 29 and 43 of the Secretary-General’s Special Report on Somalia (S/2012/74), which includes the provision of explosive threat management capacity, level II medical facilities and the reimbursement of contingent-owned equipment (COE).

“Eligible COE will include standard enablers and multipliers within the land component, and an aviation component of up to a maximum of 9 utility helicopters and 3 attack helicopters.

“COE reimbursement should conform to UN rates and practices, including the direct transfer of funds to troop-contributing countries (TCCs) as appropriate, and periodic reviews to ensure full operational capability. Letters of Assist (LOAs) should be negotiated with TCCs for equipment not covered under the UN COE framework including the aviation specified above.

“As noted in paragraph 29 of the Secretary-General’s Special Report on Somalia (S/2012/74), only equipment deployed by the TCCs and considered owned by TCCs should be reimbursed.  Equipment gifted or donated to TCCs, AMISOM, the African Union or where the ownership still remains with the donor are not eligible for reimbursement.”

Background

Before the Security Council this morning was the special report of the Secretary-General on Somalia (document S/2012/74), dated 31 January 2012, which recalls that, on 5 January, the African Union Peace and Security Council had endorsed a communiqué (document S/2012/19) urging the Security Council to “expeditiously consider and authorize additional support” for the joint African Union-United Nations strategic concept for the operations of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).  The Secretary-General’s report presents the request of the African Union for the Security Council’s consideration in the context of the political, strategic and operational dynamics in Somalia, identifies the support implications and provides his recommendations.

The report states that, as AMISOM and Transitional Federal Government Forces open up more secure space for the peace process, it has become possible for the Secretary-General’s Special Representative to pursue much of his good offices directly in-country.  In this connection, the Secretary-General reports that, as of 14 January, his envoy has relocated his office — the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) — to Mogadishu.  Following a concept employed by the Organization in other non-permissive environments, UNPOS will henceforth operate from a main forward headquarters in the capital, while retaining a rear base in Nairobi, “until security and logistical conditions permit the relocation of the entire Office to Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia”.

The deployment of additional substantive UNPOS staff, says the Secretary-General, would require resourcing; for example, additional minimum-operating-security-standards- and minimum-operating-residential-security-standards-compliant offices and living accommodations and supplementary support assets and services.  Planning for this second phase is under way, and the Secretary-General will report on progress to the Council.

Somalia, as the Secretary-General described in his previous report and in his briefing to the Council on 13 December 2011 (Press Release SC/10479), “is at a tipping point”.  While the political and security situation on the ground remains extremely fragile, the prospects for positive change appear greater than they have been for many years.  He is encouraged by the extraordinary international commitment to Somalia shown in recent months, by developments in the security situation and by the commitment of Somali political leaders, outlined in the Garowe Principles, to a clear process and timeline for the conclusion of the transition.  The way ahead, while confronted with risks and challenges, represents a moment of historic opportunity “that we cannot let go by”, he says.

He emphasizes that the goals and objectives of the military operations must remain firmly grounded in the political process.  It will be critical to establish a flexible mechanism for coordination among troop contributors and African Union, United Nations and Somali actors in Mogadishu.  On the United Nations side, this will be facilitated by the relocation he has described.  In this regard, there will also be increased demands for security to enable civilian staff to perform their functions.  He recalls the request for the African Union to rapidly deploy the guard force, as authorized by the Security Council in its resolution 2010 (2011).  The full transfer of security responsibilities to the Somali security sector institutions must remain the ultimate goal, and while work continues towards sustainable peace and political stability throughout the country, “we must recognize that the expansion of military operations is not without risk”.

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