Somalia: Election security is key due to threat posed by Al-Shabaab - UN Security Council Briefing

The United Nations of Earth reporting on this issue: "Somalia: Election security is key due to threat posed by Al-Shabaab - UN Security Council Briefing"
The topics: Excerpts from full meeting: https://media.un.org/en/asset/k11/k11sl8z1gq UN Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan told the Security Council that to ensure the elections process continues to advance in the country, "constant effort by all parties involved, and continued leadership by the signatories of the 27 May Agreement" will be needed. UN Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan told the Security Council that to ensure the elections process continues to advance in the country, "constant effort by all parties involved, and continued leadership by the signatories of the 27 May Agreement" will be needed. Speaking to Council members today (12 Aug) in New York, Swan said that he was pleased to report that significant progress has been made since his last briefing to the Council - two days before the signing of the 27 May Electoral Implementation Agreement between Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and leaders of the Federal Member States. He said that the Prime Minister has demonstrated strong leadership and initiative in moving the process forward. The National Consultative Council, which includes the Prime Minister and the Federal Member State leaders, has held regular meetings and dialogue on key issues related to the implementation of the Agreement. Swan noted that the United Nations has been working closely with the Office of the Prime Minister and the election management committees at the federal and state levels on the implementation of the 27 May Agreement and election preparations. This includes the provision of technical and logistical support, as well as the coordination of international financial assistance. The Special Representative also said, “Preparations for election security are key due to the continuing threat posed by Al-Shabaab.” He explained, “Al-Shabab continues terrorist attacks and insurgent operations, including by encircling communities; especially so in South-West State. UNSOM has so far in 2021 recorded reports of 708 Somali civilian casualties (321 killed, 387 injured), mostly attributed to Al-Shabab.” Swan added, “There are also alarming increases in sexual violence and violations against children being recorded and these remain a priority area of concern for the United Nations.” The Special Representative also warned that the humanitarian situation in Somalia remains dire. The combined impact of conflict and climate change, including recurrent droughts and floods, as well as COVID, are likely to further exacerbate food insecurity. He said, “Climate change is contributing to the extreme crisis in Somalia, with potential negative effects on stability and security, as well as the humanitarian and development situation. The Council has recognised the adverse effects of climate change on Somalia, and the United Nations continues to work at Federal Government and Federal Member State levels to better understand, mitigate and manage this.” Francisco Caetano Jose Madeira, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia and Head of the African Union Mission in Somalia briefed the Council via a video link. He said, “Regarding AMISOM’s contribution to the ongoing election, we remain committed to supporting Somalia as stipulating in the African Union Peace and Security Council Communique 798 2021. As such, under the new African Union Political Affairs Peace and Security Department Strategic Pillar, our exercising support now extend beyond security to include the provision of capacity building, technical advisory and direct budgetary support.” Madeira also said, “To mitigate and disrupt Al-Shabab's election crimes, AMISOM has taken urgent and immediate steps, some of these include maintaining vigilance at all our core operating bases and enhancing VIP protection, increasing our ISO coverage and enhancing joint operations with our mobile forces.”


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