UN Security Council calls on federal government to work with states on security sector

The UN Security Council on Friday called on Somalia to accelerate agreement between the federal and regional authorities on security sector architecture as well as the importance of good faith cooperation between the authorities to speed up the country’s peace building and State-building process.

“The Council stresses the importance of the Federal Government of Somalia enhancing and strengthening efforts to strengthen Somalia’s security capabilities in order to move towards the eventual handover of security responsibilities from AMISOM to the Somali security services,” 15-member Council said in a statement.

It urged the government led by president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo to promote a comprehensive reconciliation process that brings about local, regional, and national cohesion and integration in a climate of respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to establish an effective federal political system.

The Council underlined the importance of the timely and transparent appointment of ministers and cabinet positions in consultation with the Somali parliament, according to the statement.

“The Council calls on the Parliament and all Federal and State leaders to cooperate fully with the Federal Government of Somalia in driving forward reform and addressing immediate priorities without delay,” said the statement.

The council members also called on President Farmajo and his government to give urgent attention to the immediate risk of famine, to take active steps to prevent it, and to address the consequences of the severe drought in Somalia.