UN Security Council press statement on Somalia

NEW YORK - On Wednesday, 11 January, the Security Council received a briefing from Lynn Pascoe, Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs, and Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra, Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union, on the situation in Somalia, including a briefing on the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support to AMISOM and expressed their continued appreciation for the commitment of troops by the troop contributing countries.

They commended the efforts of AMISOM and the Somali security forces and recognized the significant sacrifices these forces have made.

The members of the Security Council stressed the importance of predictable, reliable and timely resources to AMISOM and called on the international community to provide uncaveated support to AMISOM in order for it to strengthen its capability and to better fulfil its mandate.

They noted the recommendations on Somalia of the African Union Peace and Security Council of 5 January 2012 and the intention of the Secretary-General to submit a report. They underlined their intention to keep the situation under review.

The members of the Security Council also stressed the importance of international assistance to develop the Somali security forces.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their full support for the Djibouti Agreement as the basis for the resolution of the conflict in Somalia, the Kampala Accord and the road map to end the transition in Somalia by August 2012.

They commended the unity of purpose demonstrated at the recent Garowe Constitutional Conference and encouraged inclusive and representative dialogue with the Somali people on the constitution. They urged the Transitional Federal Institutions to remain united, demonstrate strong political will, and focus on the timely implementation of the road map.

They noted that future support to the Transitional Federal Institutions would be contingent on completion of these tasks and noted the Secretary-General's view that further extension of the road map would be untenable.

The members of the Security Council expressed their readiness to support action against spoilers that seek to undermine the peace process, and peace, security and stability in Somalia.

The members of the Security Council stressed their grave concern at the continuing dire humanitarian situation in Somalia and the famine affecting the country and took note of the protracted nature of the crisis.

 They thanked humanitarian workers for their tireless efforts, welcomed the international response so far and urged Member States to contribute to the United Nations Consolidated Appeal for Somalia.

The members of the Security Council urged all parties and armed groups to ensure full and unhindered access for the timely delivery of humanitarian aid, and to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and supplies. Members urged all concerned actors to redouble their efforts to find long-term solutions for refugees and internally displaced people.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their grave concern about the situation in Somalia.

They stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy in Somalia to address the political, humanitarian and security problems in Somalia and the problem of piracy, including hostage taking, off the coast of Somalia through the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.

In this regard, they reiterated their full support to the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, Augustine P. Mahiga, and their work with the African Union and international and regional partners to address these challenges, including through the upcoming London Conference.