(22-06-23) NEW YORK — The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Catriona Laing, addressed the Security Council on Thursday about the situation in Somalia for the first time since her assumption of duties on 5th June 2023. Laing, alongside Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, African Union Commission’s Special Representative Souef Mohammed El-Amine, and the World Food Programme’s Executive Director Cindy McCain, outlined the ongoing challenges in Somalia and the UN’s commitment to assisting the Somali people.
Laing highlighted the persistent threat of the Al Shabaab terrorist group, evidenced by a recent attack on the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in Lower Shabelle. She condemned the attack, expressing her condolences to the Ugandan soldiers’ families who lost their lives.
In her address, Laing outlined eight key areas of focus, including her early experience in Somalia, updates on the political and security situation, a humanitarian update, the status of Women, Peace, and Security, observations on stabilisation, a transition in international missions, and her priorities for UNSOM in the next six months.
Significant political progress in Somalia was noted, particularly with the appointment of the Independent Constitutional Review and Implementation Commission and the passing of key legislation. The ongoing violence in Laascaanood, leading to numerous civilian casualties, was a point of grave concern.
The security situation remains challenging, with a significant threat from Al Shabaab despite successful counter-operations by the Federal Government. The upcoming operations, known as Phase 2 and Operation Black Lion, are expected to place additional pressure on Al Shabaab.
The humanitarian situation in Somalia is precarious, with approximately 8.25 million people requiring assistance. Conflict, displacement, climate shocks and underfunding of the Humanitarian Response Plan contribute to the crisis. Laing called for an increase in much-needed funding.
The challenges to women’s participation in political processes were highlighted, with Laing committing to prioritising this issue. She also underscored the importance of stabilisation activities in areas recovered from Al Shabaab, the transition of international missions, and preparation for the three upcoming transitions within the United Nations.
Laing concluded by outlining her top five priorities for UNSOM over the next six months, including preparing the United Nations for transitions, leading stabilisation efforts, supporting state-building processes, resolving the conflict in Laascaanood, and aiding Somalia to achieve HIPC completion for a shift into resilience-based development programming.
In closing, Laing reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to support Somalia’s pursuit of peace and thanked the Security Council for their continued support.
