The Security Council on Monday adopted a resolution to extend the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) for nine months, till May 31, 2022.
Resolution 2592, which was adopted unanimously by the 15-member council, strongly condemns continued attacks by the terrorist group Al-Shabaab and urges the Somali authorities, the African Union Mission in Somalia, and the United Nations to work closely on strengthening safety and security of the UN and African Union facilities and staff.
It requests UNSOM to maintain and strengthen its presence across Somalia, subject to UN security requirements and as the security situation allows.
The resolution expresses the Security Council’s deep appreciation of UNSOM’s support to the Somali federal government, in particular concerning the development of inclusive politics and preparations for the elections in 2021, the constitutional review process, mediation, prevention and resolution of conflicts, the development of a federated police and justice system, strengthening the rule of law and security-sector reform, and coordinating capacity-building support on anti-corruption issues.
It recalls the need for Somalia and its partners to take a coordinated and cohesive approach toward Somali-led political and security reforms.
The resolution decides that UNSOM should continue to coordinate UN efforts, maximizing joint approaches and joint programming in relevant areas, in full cooperation with the federal government and the federal member states.
It calls on the federal government and the federal member states to organize free, fair, credible and inclusive elections in line with the Sept. 17, 2020, and May 27, 2021, agreements without further delay, and urges the federal government and the federal member states to finalize outstanding preparations to this end.
It calls on the federal government and the federal member states to enhance, as a matter of urgency, broad-based consultations and consensus-building through consultative mechanisms at all levels and with the two houses of parliament on national priorities.
The resolution expresses the Security Council’s concern about all violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights, including those involving sexual and gender-based violence in conflict.
It further calls on all parties to comply with their obligations under international law concerning the protection of civilians and civilian objects, and reiterates the urgent and imperative need to hold accountable all those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights.
Source – Xinhua
