Explanation of vote by Political Coordinator of Slovenia to the United Nations Klemen Ponikvar at the meeting on the situation in Somalia

Thank you Madam President,

Slovenia voted in favour of the draft resolution on the establishment of African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia or AUSSOM.

We thank the UK for its tireless efforts in trying to find a compromise that would deliver a strong mandate to this new mission.

We note strong support of this Council for the new mission in Somalia.

All necessary steps described in the resolution adopted today must be implemented in due time, so that the mission could begin receiving predictable, sustainable and adequate funding by 1^st July 2025. Any delay beyond this date would endanger the effectiveness of the mission and have serious repercussions for security and stability of Somalia and the region.

Furthermore, international community needs to come together to achieve fair burden sharing and mobilise necessary financial resources, including towards the voluntary portion of AUSSOM’s budget.

Only if these criteria are met will the mission be able to implement its mandate from the first day of its deployment. The European Union, of which Slovenia is a Member, will in line with its long-standing commitment to Somalia continue to provide financial, in-kind and logistical support to AUSSOM.

Madam President,

Let me finish by paying respect to all members of AMISOM and ATMIS. Their sacrifice in supporting peace, security and stability of Somalia will never be forgotten.

We commend the Somali people for their resilience and progress. It is our sincere hope, that successful collaboration between Somalia, the United Nations and the African Union, will result in AUSSOM becoming the last mission ever to be mandated by this Council to Somalia. We wish the new mission all the best in implementing its important duties.

I thank you.

Recent Statements