This resolution extends the Al-Shabaab sanctions regime at a critical period for Somalia’s security transition: UK Statement at the UN Security Council

UK Explanation of Vote delivered by Jess Jambert-Gray, UK Deputy Political Coordinator, following the vote on the UN Security Council resolution on the 2713 sanctions regime.

Somalia is undergoing a critical period in its security transition.

In October, the Council endorsed UNTMIS taking over responsibilities from UNSOM and beginning its transition to a United Nations Country Team. ATMIS is due to be replaced by its successor mission, AUSSOM, at the start of next year, and we are grateful for the constructive Council negotiations on the mandate yesterday.

We are also grateful for the continued efforts of the Somali authorities to successfully deliver its security transition, with the support of the UN, AU, international partners, and this Council.

In the context of these transitions, the text that we have tabled for adoption today provides stability for the functioning of the Al-Shabaab sanctions regime, maintaining the current provisions until the end of February.

In the meantime, we look forward to consulting stakeholders in the coming weeks to consider the best shape of this vital regime, ensuring it supports our collective effort to degrade the threat posed by Al-Shabaab.

We now turn our attention back to the AUSSOM mandate, where we look forward to maintaining our close collaboration as a Council in support of this next stage in Somalia's security transition.