Somalia: Despite Progress, Somalia Nearing 'Danger Zone' in Critical Areas,
Warns UN Envoy
23 MAY 2014
23 May 2014 -While Somalia has made political, economic and security
progress in the last 12 months, the country is approaching a "danger zone"
in a number of areas, the top United Nations official warned today.
"2014 is critical for Somalia. Time is short. I remain a firm optimist, but
it is clear that the Government and its international partners must make
faster progress," Nicholas Kay, the Secretary-General's Special
Representative and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM),
said in a briefing to the Security Council.
Speaking via video teleconference from the capital, Mogadishu, Mr. Kay noted
that politically, the Federal Government has started to address some of the
major outstanding disputes between the centre and the regions, and that the
country has continued to show signs of economic growth.
There have also been recent improvements in security in Mogadishu, said Mr.
Kay, adding that a new Government strategy and closer joint work with the
African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) is beginning to show positive
results on the ground.
"Recognizing political, economic and security progress should not - and does
not - blind us to the significant shortcomings and challenges that remain,"
he went on to say.
He noted that while the new Government of Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh
Ahmed has injected fresh momentum, progress on state-building has not been
as fast as needed.
When he last briefed the Council in March, the Federal Government was close
to finalizing a detailed blueprint for building a Federal Somalia, revising
and implementing the constitution, and preparing for elections in 2016.
"Unfortunately, this critical plan, with timelines and benchmarks, remains
pending," he stated.
"I fear that Somalia is approaching a danger zone in a number of areas.
Politically, there needs to be urgent progress in establishing the
mechanisms to revise and implement the constitution, oversee the
establishment of federal states and prepare for elections."
He also voiced concern that the current political crisis in Mogadishu, which
includes a call by over 100 Members of Parliament for the President to
resign, could herald a return to the cycle of deadlock and infighting
between Somalia's political institutions that has paralyzed governments
since 2000. Somalia needs continuity and stability in its political
leadership, he stressed.
"The expectations of the Somali people are high and patience is a virtue in
short supply," the envoy remarked, adding that Somalia cannot afford further
delays in its state-building process.
"Its institutions should work together within the distinct roles and
responsibilities set out for them in the Constitution to deliver what the
people need and expect."
There is also a need for urgent progress on security and stabilization in
newly recovered areas, Mr. Kay noted.
Locally acceptable administrations need to be established and local people
must see peace dividends soon. Access to these areas, currently obstructed
by ongoing Al-Shabaab activity, also needs to be secured urgently.
Also important is building a sustainable, professional and truly national
Somali army, he said, noting that to date, despite considerable efforts by
international partners, progress is still fragmentary and insufficient.
The Special Representative also highlighted the critical humanitarian
situation in the Horn of Africa nation, which risks slipping into the danger
zone as well.
"There is a real danger of a worsening of the existing crisis as a result of
ongoing conflict, poor rains and lack of sustained access to towns due to
Al-Shabaab tactics of blocking main supply routes," he stated.
"While we do not know which way the food security situation will go, this is
no time for 'business as usual' in Somalia. If Somalia's humanitarian
situation is allowed to slip back into emergency, it will jeopardize the
political, economic and development gains that have been achieved."
Also today, the Council adopted a presidential statement that follows up on
a letter of the Secretary-General offering recommendations for assisting the
Federal Government with complying with its arms and ammunition management
obligations.
"The Security Council underlines that improved arms and ammunition
management in Somalia is a fundamental component of greater peace and
stability for both Somalia and the region," said the 15-member body, adding
that it remains concerned about the diversion of arms and ammunition,
including potentially to Al-Shabaab.
Among other steps, the Council called on Member States to offer necessary
financing and technical assistance and suggested the creation of a
verification mechanism including international experts.