Security Council Press Statement on Somalia
The members of the Security Council have taken note of Saturday’s parliamentary vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, and recent political instability in the country.
The members of the Security Council recalled their visit to Somalia, and that of the Secretary-General, during which both underlined the vital importance of a united political leadership in Somalia. The members of the Security Council expressed their concern at the recent political instability in Somalia, and its impact on peace and stability.
The members of the Security Council welcomed the resolution of the current political crisis through the proper Parliamentary channels. They commended the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia for his acceptance of the result, and recognised the positive contribution he and his Government had made to peace, security and development in Somalia.
The members of the Security Council reiterated their support for fast implementation of “Vision 2016”. In that context they underlined the importance of the President swiftly appointing a new Prime Minister, and the subsequent rapid establishment of an inclusive and representative government. The members of the Security Council stressed that swift and sustained restoration of political stability is vital, at a time when operations against Al-Shabaab continue, and when political progress, in line with “Vision 2016”, must accelerate.
The members of the Security Council underlined their concern that further political instability in Somalia could jeopardize progress made so far towards peace and security. The members of the Security Council underlined the importance of the new political leadership in Somalia focusing on priority areas, including resuming the implementation and review of the Provisional Constitution and the passage of key legislation to establish electoral institutions. In this context they also emphasised the importance of Somalia’s leaders, including the new Government, developing effective mechanisms to prevent prolonged political crises in the future.
The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support to both the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Nicholas Kay and United Nations Assistance Mission to Somalia (UNSOM), as well as to the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Maman Sidikou and African Union Assistance Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) as they continue to deliver their respective mandates.
The members of the Security Council underlined their resolute support for the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia. The members of the Security Council recalled their significant support to the people and Federal Government of Somalia, including through UNSOM and through the United Nations support to AMISOM.