Somalia made tremendous progress but huge challenges lay ahead says UN Country Representative

Somalia has made giant steps in a short span towards progress in the political, economical and security sectors but enormous challenges lay ahead among them security transition from Amisom to local security forces which raises a grave concern according to UN Country Representative.

Addressing the UN Security Council on Wednesday, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Somalia Ambassador Michael Keating outlined the political, security and economic situation of Somalia among others.

In his address, ambassador Keating initially touched on the peaceful national power transition and commended the nascent government of establishing “national agenda embracing financial reform, job creation, inclusive politics, conflict resolution and reform of the security sector. The focus now is on the essential task of developing a plan for security transition.”

He highlighted the amicable relationship nurtured between the federal government and the public sector “as evidenced by the passage of the Telecommunications Act, a milestone in public regulation of the economy, and by an increase in business confidence and domestic revenues.”

He mentioned how in December 2017 the International Monetary Fund (IMF) praised the Somali authorities on financial policy reforms that can lead the country to be written off of its debt which accumulated during it’s over 2 decades of civil war. “The IMF commended the Somali authorities on their progress on policy reforms and its successful completion of the country’s first Staff Monitored Programme since the end of the civil war. This is setting the country on a pathway that leads both to debt relief, increased public and private sector loans and investment, and more money for basic services and infrastructure.”

On other side, he also mentioned the huge challenges the country was facing brought by the overuse of state power on the opposition figures and illegal raids on parliamentarians and the recent replacement of the Mogadishu mayor.

The need for regulations on the above issues is imperative according to the UN top officer in the country.

“These incidents have highlighted basic problems that need to be addressed, such as inadequate rules and safeguards governing the conduct of politics, including impeachment procedures; blurred roles and lines of accountability of the many security actors; and the perpetuation of corrupt practices and of untraceable money in the political marketplace.”

Adhering to the Law is one of the major requirements for a government to thrive but turning to be a predator than a protector will erode its confidence of mandate.

“In the meantime, all Somali actors need to respect the rule of law and resist the use of violence against their political opponents. Otherwise the risk is that the many positive developments underway will be overshadowed, and the Government’s ability to implement its broader agenda and improve the lives of the population will be undermined.”

He also highlighted the dire humanitarian situation the country is undergoing and the bleak future on worsening drought expected in the course of this year compounded with internal conflicts calls for gigantic compassionate assistance by the donor community of $ 1.6 billion dollars for 2018.

The security challenges posed by Alshabab also factored in the report citing 2,078 people were killed and 2,507 injured which according to Ambassador Keating placed on the shoulders of the Somali Islamic fighters.

He also praised the gallant role played by Amisom peacekeeping force in Somalia.

“AMISOM remains fundamental for security in the country, and can take credit for having created the space to allow Somalia’s political progress over the last decade. I pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of its troops, and am grateful to the Troop and Police Contributing Countries for their commitment to Somalia.”

He also touched on the need to replace Amisom forces with a local force in close coordination between Somali government, the AU and the International Community.

“AMISOM cannot stay indefinitely. 2018 will require dedicated effort by the Somali leadership, the African Union and international partners to build political acceptability and operational capability of the Somali security sector.”

Amisom premature exit will plunge the country into chaos destroying the gains made so far and will open the door for Alshabab to take control according to Ambassador Keating.

“AMISOM’s continued presence will therefore be essential. Premature drawdown of AMISOM forces will be a gift to Al Shabaab and risks undermining the gains that have been made, at great human and financial cost, over the last decade.”

Human rights violations portrayed the government as one that tramples upon its people rights providing no protections at all.

“The human rights situation continues to be of great concern. The rule of law is weak and capacities and mechanisms to protect and promote basic rights are lacking. Forced evictions, sexual violence and repression of freedom of expression are among many indicators, with marginalized and minority groups particularly vulnerable.”

He underscored the role UN is playing to support Somali government to be competent in improving its human rights activities including “frameworks, institutions and measures for upholding human rights, to address impunity and improve the protection of women and children, and to take action to end the involvement of children in armed conflict. The formation of the national Human Rights Commission is a positive step forward.”

In his conclusion remarks, the UN Country Representative called upon the international community to “continue their financial generosity, their support for strengthening technical capacities and to be transparent and coordinated in their assistance.”

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