Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the briefing on the situation in Somalia

Thank you, Madam President,

Let me thank acting Special Representative Swan and the African Union Special Representative Souef for their updates. I am especially grateful for the testimony of Mrs Elman and I welcome the participation of Minister for Foreign Affairs Fiqi at this meeting.

Madam President,  

The briefings we heard today come at a crucial juncture for the future of the UN engagement in Somalia.

In this regard, allow me to make three points. 

First, I would like to express Slovenia’s continuing support to UNSOM, UNSOS and ATMIS.

UNSOM continues to be a major stabilizing asset in the Somalian state building. We especially commend UNSOM’s technical support during the constitutional review process and the drafting of the electoral legislation, which will enable peaceful, inclusive, transparent and credible elections. In this vein, we join Somali women parliamentarians as well as the other women leaders and activists in calling for a minimum 30 per cent women quota in elected positions and appointed bodies in state institutions.

We welcome constructive dialogue between Federal Government of Somalia and the United Nations in regard to the phased transition of the UN Country Team, which should ensure, that UNSOM plays an active role even during the transition period. We take note of the proposal submitted by the Federal Government of Somalia on August 28. Federal Government of Somalia and the United Nations should continue working together in preparation of a detailed transition plan and timeline in order to present it to the Council Members in advance of the UNSOM’s mandate renewal.

Second, Slovenia expresses its utmost concern regarding the substantial increase of civilian causalities and displaced persons due to Al Shabaab’s attacks. Especially women and children continue to bear the heaviest brunt. Horrific attacks against civilians, such as the one on Lido Beach, are reprehensible and we condemn them in the strongest terms and we express our deepest condolences to the families. Violence undermines the fragile humanitarian situation, causing new displacements and new risks, particulary to vulnerable groups. We also pay respect to sacrifices made by members of the Somali Security Forces and ATMIS. Countering Al Shaabab activities demands continuous and coordinated holistic approach, while also addressing underlying conditions that enable the terrorist group to operate. 

Since the threat of terrorism is a regional concern, the response must be regional as well. We remain concerned over the persisting tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.  We urge both countries to de-escalate and refrain from any unilateral acts that could negatively affect their good neighbourly relations. Only diplomacy and meaningful dialogue can lead to sustainable solutions of disputes. We also encourage both countries to engage in all mediation initiatives, including by the African Union and Türkiye, in order to find peaceful solutions on mutually acceptable terms and in accordance with international law.

We also take note of the adoption of the Concept of Operations by the African Union for the follow-on mission to ATMIS. This represents a positive step towards avoiding any security vacuum that might appear after the final withdrawal of ATMIS in three months’ time. The United Nations, African Union, Somalia and all of its security partners should engage in a timely and constructive manner in order to prepare the overall design of the mission in line with the timetable from resolution 2748.

And finally, Madam President, the negative effects of climate shocks on the population of Somalia are a continuous concern. Extreme weather events are following each other in quicker and quicker cycles. Just this week, IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Centre issued an exceptionally heavy rainfall warning for northern Somalia, which is expected to affect more than a quarter of a million people. Preparation of Local Climate Adaptation Plans in all federal states, supported by the Green Climate Fund, the World Food Programme’s climate-smart interventions are welcome steps in ensuring greater resilience to climate shocks.

Although we welcome the decrease in the number of people in need, millions of people still face water crisis and food insecurity. We welcome the pro-active approach of humanitarian agencies, including World Food Programme. This year Slovenia allocated 280.000 EUR through World Food Programme to alleviate food insecurity in the Horn of Africa. We also invite other donors to continue supporting humanitarian response in the field.

Madam President,

The next three months will be some of the most momentous for the future of Somalia. Slovenia stands ready to engage in order to further support the country on its path.

I thank you.

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