FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF SOMALIA STATEMENT: AMBASSADOR ABUKAR OSMAN TO SECURITY COUNCIL

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF SOMALIA
STATEMENT of AMBASSADOR ABUKAR OSMAN TO SC

3rd January 2019

Mr. President,

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I thank you for this opportunity to brief the Council on the situation in Somalia.

I would like to begin by first expressing Somalia’s strong condemnation for the recent mortar
attacks on the Aden Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu that hit the UN compound.
We reassure the Security Council that our law enforcement agencies promptly began
investigations with a view to bring the perpetrators to justice. We wish the injured a swift
recovery and we stand in solidarity with the UN family at this time.

Mr. President,

Since the last council briefing, Somalia, led by President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed
Farmaajo has continued to make irrefutable progress on all fronts. Somalia’s forward
momentum has been achieved with the strong support of our partners. We pay tribute to the
continuing commitment and sacrifice of AMISOM personnel, and we are grateful for the
collaboration and support of the United Nations, African Union, the European Union and all
our international partners.

I today wish to bring to your attention the significant developments we have achieved with
your collaboration. With close to two years under the bridge, we have advanced the
organizational structure for the implementation of our governments’ agenda through four
distinct roadmaps, Inclusive Politics, Security and Justice, Economic recovery, and Social
Development. These roadmaps have enabled the government to track implementation,
improve coordination between ministries and agencies, enhance accountability and
transparency at all levels, and most critically will allow Somalia to streamline the support
received from our international partners.

Mr. President,

Directly attributable to this new mode of business, let me highlight the key achievements
we have made. Somalia is rebranding and taking its rightful place in the region. The end of
2018 marked an exciting time of regeneration and partnership in the Horn of Africa. The
President of Somalia and his counterparts, their excellencies Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea and
Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia, have taken bold steps through the signing of a Tripartite
Agreement. This will increase regional cooperation to boost economic initiatives and
promote peace and security across our borders. The Agreement is an example of the active
role that Somalia can play in the region under President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed
Farmajo’s leadership.

On Inclusive Politics, We have laid important foundations on our reform agenda by reaching
agreement on the electoral system for 2020 and completing 50 percent of the
Constitutional Review process. To put in place the legislative framework for elections we
have reviewed the Political Parties Law and drafted the Electoral Law.

On Deepening Federalism, various elections are underway in our federal member states and
are taking place as scheduled while we continue to support the devolution of the
government functions and powers to the different administrative levels of government. Our
working relationship with our Federal Member States are getting stronger, we are
implementing a jointly developed framework for security support with Hirshabelle State and
are currently finalising the same with South West State.

Building the trust of Somali citizens in their government is a key part of our political reforms
including through tackling crippling corruption. In this regard we have passed the Anti-
Corruption Law to establish the Anti-Corruption Commission. And the Cabinet endorsed the
Federal Justice and Corrections Model; a key step to strengthen the rule of Law in Somalia.
And to deepen federalism on practical issues we reached Resource Management
agreements on the Ownership, Management and Sharing of Fisheries, Petroleum and
Mineral Resources.

Lastly to build trust between Somalis and make our political reforms genuinely inclusive, the
President has led reconciliation efforts across the country. In Gaalkacyo the President
brought the parties together to resolve the conflict and brokered relations. To resolve the
conflict the government has followed up with integration of local forces to enhance the
peace. In Tukaraq the President is leading mediation efforts to de-escalate tensions and in
Marka his support has strengthened local community reconciliation initiatives benefitting
Lower Shabelle security along the coastline.

On the Security front, the Federal Government of Somalia has made considerable progress
in the implementation of the Somali Transition Plan and the National Security Architecture.
Through the Security and Justice Roadmap, we have broken down the tasks into priority
areas to ensure that activities are not implemented on an ad hoc basis but are concentrated
in areas and aligned to other security efforts in order to multiply their effect.

The Somali National Army (SNA) has conducted independent operations in support of the
Transition Implementation in Lower and Middle Shabelle. Key areas such as the coastal
town of Marka were cleared and are being held by the SNA to enable stabilization, peace
building and reconciliation initiatives. The Implementation of the Transition has also
continued in the capital with the Somali Police Force taking over security responsibilities of
the Mogadishu Stadium from AMISOM. We have restructured the National Intelligence and
Security Agency, to a civilian intelligence gathering agency, moving operational units to the
Somali Police Force. This is no mean fete.

In line with our reform agenda, the House of the People just this week approved the
Pensions and Gratuity Bill that will pave the way for the disengagement of a large number of
inactive personnel. We continue to re-structure the Somali security forces and redefine
their roles and responsibilities and in support of payroll reform, the bio-metric registration
of our national and regional forces is nearing completion.

On Economic Recovery, the Federal Government of Somalia has achieved successes due to
our relentless fight against corruption and through widespread economic reforms. For the
first time in many years, high ranking officials have been arrested and charged in connection
with embezzlement. The Ministry of Finance is now the only line Ministry entrusted with
revenue collections that were previously collected by different government institutions.
Domestic revenue has increased. Taxes and Government fees are paid directly to the
Central Bank of Somalia. As a result of these key policies and strengthened fiscal discipline,
our Tax base has expanded.

A staff level agreement has been reached with the IMF on the completion of the third-Staff
Monitoring Program (SMP III), thus making significant progress to pave the way for Debt
Relief.

In partnership with the UN, World Bank and EU, we have developed the resilience and
recovery framework (RRF) as a medium to long term economic and social response to
vulnerability.

We are stepping up our efforts to prepare the ninth National Development Plan (NDP9)
structured around the four key roadmaps. It will serve as the basis for an interim Poverty
Reduction Strategy Paper (i-PRSP) document that will lay out the Somali development goals,
challenges and financing requirements.

In our efforts to achieve a prosperous society, through the Social Development Roadmap,
we are working to establish policies, strategies and regulations for the enhancement of
affordable and accessible basic social services such as health, education, clean water and
electricity. And in line with this roadmap, we are working on reinstating Somali pride and
ownership in the rebuilding of our state through our flagship campaign, “Isxilqaan” or
simply put Social Mobilisation. This programme creates civic engagement and enhances the
culture of volunteerism. For the first time in our national budget we have tripled the budget
for delivery of basic social services such as health and education for our people.

Mr. President,

Much of the progress listed above has been achieved with minimal direct investment and
partnership with the Federal Government of Somalia. Real partnership requires
commitment, trust and mutual respect. Over the past close to two years, we have listened
carefully to our partners and we continue to encourage an open and frank dialogue. We
acknowledge and offer our appreciation to the UN agencies that continue to provide vital
support and assistance to the Somali people.

Somalia is a proud member of the United Nations since its independence in 1960 and is
committed to the values and principles enshrined within the UN Charter. Moreover, the
principles of respect for the rule of law, freedom of expression and assembly, fairness, good
governance, transparency and due process are all enshrined in our provisional constitution.

Ultimately, our leaders decisions are subject to close scrutiny by our Legislature and the
Judiciary. These robust checks and balances, while protecting the separation of powers also
ensure accountability and fairness. Recognizing that our government obtains legitimacy,
first and foremost from its people, we have ensured that public engagement is a critical
pillar in our approach to governance. That is why this Government enjoys the confidence
and overwhelming support of the Somali People.

Our youthful nation is finding its voice and establishing new forms of debate and active
accountability through public forums. We are proud of our active and vocal citizens and we
encourage their engagement with their government and elected officials.
We firmly believe that our legitimacy, our credibility and ultimately the impact of our
decisions depend on the wishes and interests of our people.

The Somali people want Somalia to have its rightful place in the community of nations and
with that expect mutual respect and reciprocity. The Somali people demand that their
government assume responsibility for its own decisions, and shape their future.
Somalia leading international support, not international support leading Somalia.
We, therefore, have a duty to reestablish Somalia’s position in the world and to represent
Somalia’s interests actively on the world stage. For the pride and protection of the Somali
people, we have a duty as their representatives to give them a voice and represent their
wishes and aspirations.

Mr. President,

Allow me to address the issue at hand. Somalia distinguishes between the institutions that
we are part of, and individual conduct that has detrimental effects on our fragile nation. Our
government is taking Somalia to a new future. It is no more of a transitional nature but a
sovereign nation with all its rights and privileges. We are battling against terrorists, clan
mentalities and corruption. It is our expectation that the leadership of the UN will support
this strategic picture.

Mr. President,

The Member States here would agree that proscribed individuals (from Al Shabaab and
other Terrorist Organisations) sanctioned by this very institution cannot assume leadership
positions without going through a stringent established rehabilitation programme. During
the last two Federal electoral cycles, your representatives in Mogadishu have reiterated
again and again, that the candidature and potential election of any individual with a violent
extremism history would represent a ‘regressive step’. Therefore, while we strive to
reestablish the rule of law and end a culture of impunity, we reject the criticism and
attempts to rebrand renowned terrorists as ice-cream salesmen without redeeming
themselves.

Finally, as a maturing nation undergoing a challenging evolution we do not shy away from
the task ahead of us. As we are hard at work laying foundations for generations to come,
The Federal Government of Somalia remains committed to our reform agenda to establish
effective institutions that abide by OUR constitution, respect the human rights of all our
citizens, adhere to international humanitarian laws and create forces that are accountable,
transparent and able to defend the people, sovereignty, territorial integrity, political
independence and unity of Somalia. In these endeavors we continue to promote the respect
of human rights and commit to fully investigate any forms of violations and abuse against
our people.

Mr. President,

The challenges facing Somalia are complex. But gradually Somalia is taking the lead in
addressing them through Somali-led initiative. As we fulfill our responsibilities as a
sovereign nation, I recall that speakers in this Chamber often call for host governments to
act on their responsibilities to govern and for national solutions to challenges. Somalia has
demonstrated a strong political will to do so; This should be applauded not extinguished.
Somalia continues to make considerable progress across an ambitious and challenging
reform agenda. We cannot do so alone and we are grateful for the support of our
international partners and their commitment to Somalia. This support will be most effective
when it is delivered in line with objectives we have set out in our roadmaps, and when it is
directed towards Somali priorities. We look forward to continue to work closely with our
partners to align their support to build a bright and prosperous future for Somalia.

I cannot conclude my remarks without thanking the Council members for their continued
support and once again reiterating our appeal to the Security Council that the UN and its
representatives have the duty, even the obligation, to respect their mandate and not to
interfere in our internal affairs, and let the Somalis control their own destiny. We believe
that collaboration with the United Nations on this basis is more likely to bring concrete and
positive outcome. With the help of our partners, Somalia is on the right path to recovery
from several decades of civil war and anarchy. The Somali Government is committed to
bringing political stability to the country and we will take the necessary measures to
maintain those hard-earned gains in accordance with our constitution and international law.

I thank you.