On October 30, 2024, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2753, a landmark decision that reinforces the Council’s robust support for Somalia’s ongoing transition towards stability and peace.
This resolution is pivotal as it marks a significant shift in the UN’s engagement in Somalia, transitioning the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) to the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) over a two-year period.
The Transition
The transition, set to begin on November 1, 2024, is a response to the Somali Government’s request for a phased handover of responsibilities from UNSOM to the UN Country Team (UNCT) and other relevant entities.
This move underscores the international community’s commitment to consolidating peace and security gains in Somalia, recognizing that military action alone is insufficient to resolve the country’s security challenges.
Public Impact: Supporting Somalia’s State-Building
The adoption of Resolution 2753 has far-reaching implications for Somalia’s state-building efforts. The new mission, UNTMIS, will focus on critical areas such as supporting the constitutional review process, promoting free and fair elections, and enhancing human rights, rule of law, and security sector reform.
These initiatives are crucial for the long-term stability and development of Somalia, ensuring that the country can eventually take full responsibility for its security and governance.
Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasized the UK’s commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a gradual, responsible, and sustainable drawdown of UNSOM.
He highlighted the importance of continued support for Somalia’s security sector, including the progressive and phased transfer of tasks to the Federal Government of Somalia, the UN Country Team, and other stakeholders.
Metrics of the Transition
- Transition Period: The transition will occur over two years, with the first phase concluding by October 31, 2025, and the entire transition expected to be completed by October 31, 2026.
- Mission Mandate: UNTMIS will continue to uphold the mandate of UNSOM with modifications, focusing on state-building, human rights, and security sector support.
- International Coordination: The resolution emphasizes the importance of coordination between the UN, the African Union, and bilateral and multilateral partners to ensure a cohesive and effective transition process.
- Elections and Governance: The mission will support efforts to conduct free and fair elections, a critical component of Somalia’s political and peacebuilding processes.
Stakeholder Reactions
The unanimous adoption of the resolution reflects a collective acknowledgment of the progress made by the Somali Government and its commitment to transitioning towards greater autonomy.
The representative of Somalia at the UN welcomed the resolution, hailing the dedication of UNSOM personnel and expressing anticipation for close collaboration with UNTMIS and the UN Country Team on long-term development initiatives.
He emphasized the importance of prioritizing nationalization during the drawdown phase, including national procurement and the employment of Somali staff, particularly women.
The UK’s delegate at the Security Council meeting underscored that UNSOM has played a vital role since its inception in 2013, providing policy guidance, technical assistance, and capacity-building.
The UK reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure the continued delivery of critical services during the transition period.
In Conclusion
The adoption of Resolution 2753 marks a significant step forward in Somalia’s journey towards stability and self-sufficiency. Notably, this milestone demonstrates the international community’s commitment to Somali development.
Furthermore, the international community’s unified support through this resolution is a testament to the collective commitment to peace and development in the region. In addition, this resolution paves the way for continued collaboration and support for Somalia’s progress.
Sources: THX News, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office & James Kariuki
