Somalia is calling on the United Nations to end its political mission in the country, which has helped the government bring peace and stability in the face of attacks by the al-Qaeda-linked militant group al-Shabaab.
UNITED NATIONS — Somalia is calling on the United Nations to end its political mission in the country, which has helped the government bring peace and stability in the face of attacks by the al-Qaeda-linked militant group al-Shabab.
In a letter to the Security Council and Secretary-General António Guterres obtained by The Associated Press on Friday, Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiki said the decision “drastically addresses our country’s strategic priorities.” “We have considered it,” he said.
The mission’s current mandate, known as UNSOM, expires on October 31, and Mr. Fiki called for “the necessary procedures for the end of the mission to be quickly concluded before the end of the mission.”
The UN mission is working closely with African Union peacekeeping forces, and the current interim mission, ATMIS, is reducing its presence and is expected to hand over security responsibilities to the Somali military at the end of the year. In November, the Security Council suspended withdrawal from the AU for three months at Somalia’s request due to fighting with al-Shabab.
Somalia descended into civil war after feuding clan-based warlords overthrew dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991. The Horn of Africa country established a functioning transitional government in 2012 and has been working to rebuild stability in the face of extremist attacks and rising piracy.
Al-Shabab stepped up attacks on Somali military bases last year after losing control of some territory in the region in a military offensive prompted by Somalia’s president’s call for “total war” against the extremists in 2022.
The Security Council established UNSOM in June 2013 to support peace and reconciliation efforts and provide strategic policy advice to the Government of Somalia and the AU peacekeeping mission on restoring peace and rebuilding a functioning state. Established a special political mission known as
Its mandate also includes promoting human rights and preventing abuse, empowering women, protecting children, and preventing conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence.
In a letter dated May 5, Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation for UNSOM’s “important role in promoting peace, stability, and development in our country.”
Mr Fiki said the government believed it was “appropriate to move to the next stage of our partnership”, working with the United Nations and its partners on the country’s long-term development priorities “and beyond”. He emphasized his determination to do so.
In a follow-up letter dated May 9, also obtained by The Associated Press, Fiki said the Somali government was ready to work with all stakeholders to prepare for a “complex transition process within an appropriate time frame.” He said there is.
He said Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Guterres on April 29 and asked him to start a planning process for the transition from political missions to UN country teams, which typically focus on development issues. Stated. Mr Fiki said there were clear stages to the process and planning should start immediately.
In mid-February, the United States agreed to build up to five military bases for the Somali military in a project aimed at strengthening the military’s capabilities against the al-Shabab threat.
The new base was established in 2017 following an agreement between the United States and Somalia to recruit, train, equip and mentor 3,000 men and women from across Somalia to build a strong infantry capability for the Somali Army. It became associated with the Danab Brigade.
The brigade plays a vital role as a quick response force in efforts to defeat al-Shabab militants.
