UN Security council extends UNSOM’s mandate in Somalia

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NEW YORK: The United Nations Security Council Tuesday unanimously voted to extend the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) mandate for another year.

UNSOM, whose mandate in Somalia is to support the Federal Government’s peace building efforts and reconciliation will continue operating in the country after the UN Security Council adopted the Resolution 2707 (2023).

The Council requested UNSOM to maintain and strengthen its presence across Somalia in consultation with the Federal Government and Somalia’s Federal Member States, and continue to strengthen its cooperation with the country and the African Union.

“By the terms of the resolution, UNSOM is encouraged to coordinate United Nations efforts and support the Federal Government and Federal Member States in the acceleration of the implementation of the National Stabilization Strategy and State-Level Stabilization Plans and support peace building,” a statement by the Security Council reads.

Humanitarian Situation

The council however expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Somalia and cautioned against misuse or obstruction of humanitarian assistance – including violence, attacks and threats against humanitarian and medical personnel or their means of transport and equipment as well as hospitals.

“The council demands that all parties allow and facilitate, in accordance with relevant provisions of international law, full, safe, rapid and unhindered access for the timely delivery of aid to persons in need across Somalia, in line with the humanitarian principles.”

The resolution also noted the need to address the persistent threat of terrorism facing the country and the use of improvised explosive devices adding that comprehensive assistance in the financial, technical and security domains are crucial to assist Somalia at this critical juncture.