SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT ON SOMALIA

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Mark Lyall Grant ( United Kingdom):

 

On Thursday, 13 June, the Security Council received a briefing from Assistant Secretary-General Tayé-Brook Zerihoun on the situation in the Juba regions of Somalia.

 

Members of the Security Council expressed their concern at the deterioration in the security situation in the Juba regions, particularly in Kismayo, and at the resulting impact on the civilian population and the humanitarian situation.  The Members of the Security Council called on all parties to refrain from any action which may threaten peace and stability in the Juba regions and to engage with the Federal Government of Somalia in a constructive manner to achieve a peaceful resolution to the current crisis and to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation.

 

The members of the Security Council underlined their support for the development of an effective federal system of government, in line with the Provisional Constitution and in respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia, in order to ensure a constructive and sincere partnership between the Federal Government of Somalia and local and regional administrations.  In this context the members of the Security Council look forward to a broad, inclusive constitutional review process.

 

The members of the Security Council expressed their support for the IGAD [Intergovernmental Authority for Development] Communiqué of 24 May and invited IGAD and neighbouring countries to play a strong and positive role in helping to decrease the tension and identify a way forward.  The members of the Security Council welcomed the commitment of the Federal Government of Somalia to lead reconciliation efforts in the Juba regions with the support of UNSOM [United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia], IGAD and other appropriate actors.  The members of the Council urged that this be taken forward expeditiously.  The members of the Security Council underlined the availability of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to assist the Government of Somalia in peacefully resolving the situation.

 

The members of the Security Council underlined the importance of the issues in the Juba regions not distracting from the urgent need to end the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and bring security and prosperity to the Somali people, the overwhelming majority of whom are committed to peace through dialogue.  In that context, the members of the Council underscored their support for AMISOM [African Union Mission in Somalia] and reiterated their willingness to take action against those who undermine the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia.

 

The Security Council will keep the situation under review.