Statement to the UN Security Council
By
H.E. Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef
Special Representative of the AU Commission Chairperson (SRCC) for Somalia
&
Head of ATMIS
New York, 24 June 2024
Mr. President,
Distinguished Members of the Security Council,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for inviting me to brief this Council on the situation in Somalia. Let me start by congratulating the Government of Korea for its Presidency of the Security Council for the month of June.
I am pleased to be joined alongside Mr. James Swan, the Acting Special Representative of the UN Secretary General (Ag. SRSG) and Ag. Head of UNSOM. Our joint presence here underscores the exceptional partnership and collaboration that exists between the African Union and the United Nations in Somalia.
I use this occasion to commend the unwavering commitment and dedication of the Somali Security Forces and the African Union troops and-police personnel and pay tribute to those who have paid the ultimate price in service of peace and stability in Somalia. Their service and sacrifice in the face of extraordinary adversity, shall not be forgotten.
Mr President,
Since my last briefing in February, Somalia has continued to foster cooperation and informed decision-making in promoting peace and stability. Under the strong leadership of H.E. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Somalia is uniting and investing in rebuilding international relationships, and registering notable progress on many fronts.
Its recent election as a non-permanent member of this august body for the 2025-2026 cycle: the second time since 1971-1972, reflects the trust and confidence of the UN member states in Somalia’s gradual and sustained journey towards peace, security, and stability.
It is further evidence of Somalia’s progress, marking a new era of global recognition for its increasing capability and commitment to contribute effectively to global peace and security, which the African Union proudly supports.
This historic election came in the wake of significant progress in Somalia’s State-building processes, particularly the ongoing constitutional reforms.
I am pleased to report that the Federal Government of Somalia has continued to encourage broad consensus on the implementation of key national priorities, including promoting dialogue among Somalia’s leaders. This was recently demonstrated in the convening of the 9th meeting of the National Consultative Council (NCC).
Despite Puntland’s absence from the NCC meetings, I’m encouraged by the FGS’ intention to re-engage Puntland’s leadership. Unity of the country will reinforce stability and pave the way for the development of Somalia. I am confident that the Government and the people of Somalia will continue to deliver on their long-term peace and stability.
Similarly, the ongoing efforts to address the dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia are commendable and should be encouraged by the international community. I believe that a peaceful and comprehensive dialogue is the best way to enhance sustainable stability and cooperation in the region.
Mr. President
Turning to the security situation.
We continue to assess that security remains relatively calm in areas under FGS and ATMIS presence. The threat of Al-Shabaab remains unpredictable. The recent complex attack on Somali Security Forces in El-Dheer – Galmudug region, and the mortar attack on the ATMIS camp in Baidoa, Southwest State, is a reminder to us that Al-Shabaab remains resilient. The group still retain the ability to conduct devastating attacks, including employing asymmetric tactics, and organizing complex operations on civilians and security targets.
I would like to report that such resilience and the propaganda of the group do not affect the courage, resilient and the commitment of the SNA to remain committed in the offensive against Al-Shabaab.
Although Somali Security Forces, supported by ATMIS and increasingly local communities, have achieved significant gains in the fight against Al-Shabaab, sustained support from international partners is essential to maintain this momentum.
It is particularly vital as the Federal Government of Somalia works to respond to community conflicts and rivalries. Sustained efforts in this regard will advance ongoing initiatives to deepen national unity, community reconciliations and social cohesion.
Mr. President
Let me turn to the status of the security transition.
I am pleased to report that the Joint Technical Assessment was completed in March 2024, under the leadership of the Federal Government of Somalia.
Essentially, the Joint Technical Assessment highlighted the persistent threat emanating from Al-Shabaab and the complex security landscape within which the SSF operate. It commended the FGS’ robust offensive against Al-Shabaab across multiple regions, which have demonstrated the FGS resolute commitment to degrade Al-Shabaab capabilities and establish sustainable security and stabilisation activities across the country.
I also welcome the decision of the African Union Peace and Security Council, in its 1217th Session held on 20 June, to strongly support the request by the Federal Government of Somalia for a phased approach to the Phase 3 Drawdown of ATMIS, with 2,000 troops departing by the end of June 2024 and the remaining 2,000 exiting at the end of September 2024. This request will provide the necessary time and space to address the operational demands highlighted in the Joint Technical Assessment.
It will further ensure that SSF units are adequately prepared to assume security responsibilities from ATMIS while continuing the offensive against Al-Shabab.
I am therefore pleased to report that in anticipation of the PSC decision, the Tripartite Technical Committee, comprising the FGS, ATMIS and UNSOS, agreed on a revised sequencing of the Phase 3 drawdown, with eight (8) ATMIS FOBs identified for handover to the SSF by the end of June.
So far, the Bariire, Horseed, commonly known as Jowhar Town, and Ceel Geelow FOBs have successfully been handed over to the Somali Security Forces and the remaining five (5) FOBs are scheduled for handover to the SSF by 30 June.
Mr. President,
Prior to the beginning of the Phase 3 drawdown, I undertook a series of field visits to the regions to engage with local leaders, communities, and representatives of civil society organisations. I would like to commend their commitment to support FGS efforts in advancing peace and state-building in Somalia.
I also noted their concern about the potential increase in pressure on Somali Security Forces (SSF) and local communities due to the reduction of ATMIS presence in Somalia. The concern is that without the generation of sufficient SSF with the necessary capabilities and dedicated stabilisation efforts, there will be a need to secure strategic locations and strengthen territorial control.
I am, however, pleased that the endorsement by the African Union of a new African Union-led Mission and authorised by the United Nations, will be aligned to the planned post-ATMIS security arrangements. This will be crucial in preventing a security vacuum that could be exploited by Al-Shabaab and will reinforce Somalia efforts towards attaining its long-term goal of stability, institutional building, and development.
I am confident that in order to establish lasting peace, security, and development in Somalia beyond December 2024, we need to focus on key activities. These include building capacity, strengthening security institutions, countering Al-Shabaab, and securing critical infrastructures. We also need to ensure a smooth and orderly transition.
In light of this, I urge the Council to continue its efforts in promoting strong regional and international cooperation to ensure that political, logistical and financial support for the AU-led post-ATMIS Mission is tailored to meet the existing security threats and to enhance the readiness and capacity of the Somali Security Forces to assume full security responsibilities.
Such an approach would advance our collective interests and further our shared goal of supporting Somalia’s Security Sector Plan, and exploring, as well as agreeing on the required funding mechanisms for a new Mission.
Monsieur le Président,
Permettez-moi de conclure en faisant référence aux discussions en cours sur le renouvellement du mandat d’ATMIS, qui arrive à expiration dans quelques jours.
J’aimerais, appeler le Conseil de sécurité, à soutenir la Mission afin de lui permettre de contribuer efficacement à la consolidation de l’élan positif à travers un mandat qui correspond aux réalités politiques et sécuritaires et, qui fixe des échéances réalistes adaptés aux besoins de la Somalie.
Plus que jamais, il est nécessaire de consolider durablement les acquis de la Mission tout en s’attaquant fermement aux défis qui persistent pour une transition harmonieuse, ordonnée et réussie.
Malgré les défis qui demeurent, la Somalie continue de faire preuve d’une immense résilience avec des avancées positives très encourageantes.
J’invite le Conseil de sécurité, et toute la communauté internationale à rester engagés, et à maintenir de façon soutenue leur appui à la Somalie.
Je vous remercie.