Somalia, UK ink partnership deal to bolster security, governance and economic growth

GOOBJOOG NEWS|LONDON: Somalia and the UK have signed a strategic partnership deal to bolster cooperation in economic growth, security, and governance, a move that also elevates relations between the two countries.

A communiqué following the conclusion of the UK Global Food Security Summit co-chaired by the two countries focuses on a close working relationship through partnerships, the implementation of strategic goals and a commitment to transparency and accountability. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held talks with his host Prime Minister Rushi Sunak, on Monday ahead of the summit.

Governance

The two countries agreed to build on the Federal model that ‘works for all and that is held accountable through regular, transparent and democratic processes.’ Such a model will be underpinned by public institutions capable of delivering services, enforcing regulations and managing resources effectively, whilst ensuring respect for human rights, in line with Somali and international human rights laws, the communique read in part.

The deal also envisages establishing political processes that are inclusive with the view to enhancing comprehensive reconciliation, strengthening public institutions, and entrenching the operationalisation of public financial systems.

These, the communique noted, are also ongoing endeavours through ‘bilateral and multilateral engagement, including at the UN Security Council and UN Human Rights Council where the UK is penholder and joint penholder respectively on Somalia and seeks to align mission mandates with FGS priorities.’  The two sides also engage on migration issues across a range of Somali and UK priorities, including the celebration of the Somali diaspora population in the UK.

The political process will further be realised to UK support in promoting transparent and inclusive parliamentary process to enshrine agreements at the National Consultative Council. This will likely see the UK support in the June agreement where the NCC proposed the adoption of a presidential system of governance. The deal is however subject to parliamentary approval. This will pave way for election plans at the national and  state level including continued dialogue with Somaliland, the communique notes.

The UK will also provide technical support for sound financial management systems to improve transparency and accountability in the management of public finances through capacity building and system strengthening, reducing the scope for corruption in the civilian and security sectors.

A third strand of governance is promoting respect for human rights and the rule of law. FGS commits to enhancing its efforts to protect and promote Human Rights, including through progressing recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).  In this case, the UK will will continue to work with the FGS to co-lead the resolution providing for the mandate of the Independent Expert on Somalia at the Human Rights Council, whilst championing the work of the Independent Expert to deliver progress on UPR recommendations.  

Security and defence

Under this priority area, the UK will support an effective security transition from ATMIS to Somali Security Forces. This will also entail supporting the implementation of the National Security Architecture and advisory on the FGS Post-ATMIS security strategy. Additionally, the UK will support stabilisation efforts, enable Somali forces to hold liberated territories, and early recovery initiatives. The security component also involves counterterrorism, where the UK will support the FGS counter terrorism strategy including police mentorship to improve urban centre security and capacity building to support defection of individuals from Al-Shabaab.

Driving economic growth

The third pillar of the partnership is bolstering economic growth in Somalia. Under this, the UK government pledged support in three key areas. The first is post-HIPC planning, where the UK will ‘continue to advocate with the IMF and World Bank, to ensure these institutions deliver for Somalia.  This includes continued UK funding for the IMF and WB trust funds.  In turn, Somalia will remain on track with future IMF programmes, ensuring benchmarks are met.’

This comes a time Somalia is expected to attain the Completion Point of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative next month marking an end to the long-running debt relief process.

The second strand is creating an enabling environment for investment where UK will ‘promote Somalia’s re-integration into the international financial system by continuing to fund the Financial Systems Initiative aimed at building compliance of key banking institutions and supporting access to credit.’ The third strand involves improving domestic revenue mobilisation to fund development and service delivery.

Strengthening human development and increasing resilience to climate shocks

This pillar focuses on improving provision of basic services, social protection and building climate challenge resilience.

According to the communique, the partnership agreement will be implemented through annual strategic dialogues and through six monthly reviews.