UN Security Council Highlights Federal Government’s Progress in Implementing Key Priorities

GOOBJOOG NEWS: The United Nations Security Council Monday held a meeting to discuss the progress of the Federal Government of Somalia in implementing its various priorities both in development, security, women empowerment and addressing humanitarian needs in the country.

Addressing the council, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Somalia Catriona Liang noted the Federal Government’s “solid progress” in recent months in the implementation of its priorities.

Ms Liang echoed United Nations Secretary General António Guterres’ sentiments noting that the UNSC has “repeatedly affirmed its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of Somalia, and called for all parties to engage in peaceful and constructive dialogue and to refrain from inflammatory words or actions that could further escalate tensions.”

On constitutional reforms, Ms Liang called on the concerned parties in Somalia to engage in the spirit of compromise to finalize the process.

“Without an agreed constitution, Somalia remains vulnerable to perennial crises with no agreed rules of the game to enable resolution,” she said.

Updating on women in Somalia, the Special Representative said, “We have continued to work with the government, women in the Federal Parliament and civil society to advance the implementation of the 30% women’s quota – despite concerted efforts, women’s political participation and representation remains a significant challenge.”

Ms Liang also said that the United Nation’s was pleased to report some positive developments on stabilisation in newly-recovered areas. Specifically, there has been progress in the delivery of rule of law, governance, reconciliation, and the provision of basic services. UN joint programmatic efforts are being deployed in recovered areas.

The Special Representative also highlighted Somalia’s humanitarian crisis saying that the situation remains dire and that the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan will require $1.6 billion to meet the needs of 5.2 million most vulnerable people in Somalia

“This is, however, a 37% reduction from 2023. This reduction is in line with a new approach to make the humanitarian response highly targeted and prioritized, given the dwindling funding outlook globally,” she said.