Following the end of the “contentious” electoral process in May,
the political climate in Somalia is now more conducive to
addressing key national priorities, UN Special Representative
James Swan told the Security Council on Wednesday.
“To capitalize on this opportunity, federal and State
authorities must collaborate closely to achieve
progress on the new government’s goals, including
improving governance and justice, effectively countering
Al-Shabaab, and responding urgently to the worsening humanitarian
crisis,” he said.
Somalia’s electoral process concluded on 15 May after Parliament
voted in Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as President. The Prime
Minister and Cabinet were endorsed in June and August,
respectively.
Where are the women?
Mr. Swan said the new government moved swiftly to outline a
four-year work programme that covers goals and activities across
the six pillars of security, justice, reconciliation, economic
development, social development and foreign relations.
However, he pointed to areas that still need to be addressed.
“Unfortunately, women remain under-represented in
cabinet positions and parliamentary committees. Just 13
per cent of cabinet members are women, and 21 per cent of
parliamentary committee members,” he reported.
“I call again for Somali leaders to take further measures
to ensure women’s meaningful participation across
institutions of government, as well as the inclusion of
youth and historically marginalized groups.”
Insecurity a priority
Mr. Swan said the new administration has identified security as
its top national priority, which “comes at a time
when Al-Shabaab has
demonstrated increased boldness.”
The insurgents have recently carried out targeted assassinations,
complex attacks, and large-scale military actions along the
border with Ethiopia, which he condemned.
The Special Envoy commended the Security Forces and their
counterparts from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia
(ATMIS) “who at great cost in lives continue to fight to defend
the population against Al-Shabaab”.
Spectre of famine
Somalia currently is facing a humanitarian crisis, brought on by
the worst drought in at least 40 years. Some 7.8
million people, nearly half the population, are
affected, and some areas are already at risk of famine.
Although the number of people reached by humanitarians has
quadrupled since January to 5.3 million, a further
scale-up in aid is needed.
Mr. Swan called for all parties in Somalia to facilitate
humanitarian access, and for donors to increase funding.
Women and children vulnerable
“The ongoing humanitarian crisis has especially contributed to
the vulnerability of displaced women and children, who
historically have faced discrimination and exclusion from
service,” he said.
“I urge the Somali authorities to increase
prevention measures for the risk of sexual
violence particularly against women and girls,
including by strengthening security at water points and at food
distribution sites”.
Addressing longer-term development, Mr. Swan highlighted progress
on debt relief.
In June, the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
released $350 million in development funding for Somalia.
Other donors also have resumed budgetary support so the
country can sustain required reform efforts to complete the debt
relief process.
The Special Envoy concluded his remarks by reiterating the UN’s
commitment to continue supporting the Somali government and
people in achieving their national goals.
