On Tuesday this week the UN Security Council met to consider Somalia, unanimously adopting Resolution 2067 (2012), reiterating its commitment to a comprehensive and lasting settlement. It recognizes that a stable Somalia is of vital importance in ensuring regional security and welcomed recent progress including the convening of the National Constituent Assembly, the adoption of the provisional Somali Constitution, the work of the Traditional Elders and the Technical Selection Committee in approving the Members of Parliament and the establishment of the new Federal Parliament, the selection of its Speaker and a new President. This, it said, represented the completion of the Transition in Somalia and was an important milestone in Somalia’s path to more stable and accountable governance. The Council welcomed the continued role of regional bodies, including the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority for Development, commended the contribution of AMISOM and appreciated the continued commitment of troops, police and equipment to AMISOM by the Governments of Burundi, Uganda, Djibouti, Kenya and Sierra Leone. The Council notes the Secretary-General’s forthcoming high-level event on Somalia (September 26th) would provide an opportunity for Somalia’s new leadership to consolidate its partnership with the international community. It looks forward to the Secretary-General’s inter-agency review of the United Nations presence in Somalia. It requests he presents options and recommendations to the Security Council by December 31st.

In Resolution 2067, the Security Council expresses its determination to work closely with the new institutions and government, encourages the new President to expeditiously appoint an inclusive, accountable Government, and a Prime Minister to appoint a cabinet as soon as possible. It emphasizes the government role in reconciliation, lasting peace and stability, and calls on it to implement all postponed elements of the September 6th 2011 road map. It stresses the importance of developing a programme to define post-transition priorities, and requests the Secretary-General and relevant United Nations entities to provide assistance. It says a national referendum on the Provisional Constitution and general elections should take place within the term of the current Parliament.

It notes the Somali authorities have the responsibility to support reconciliation and deliver effective and inclusive local administrations and public services to the people of Somalia. It reiterates its willingness to take measures against individuals whose acts threaten the peace, stability or security of Somalia. The resolution expresses concern at reports of financial misappropriation, and calls for full cooperation to rapidly set up and effectively operate the planned Joint Financial Management Board. It requests all partners involved in the economic reconstruction of Somalia to increase their coordination and capacity-building of the relevant Somali institutions.

The resolution reiterates Security Council support to AMISOM and welcomes the progress made in improving security in Mogadishu and beyond. It emphasizes the need to continue efforts to reduce the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and other armed opposition groups. It urges the Somali authorities to complete the restructuring of the national security forces. It welcomes support to AMISOM by the African Union’s partners, especially the European Union’s African Peace Facility, and calls upon partners to support AMISOM through the provision of funding for troop stipends, equipment, technical assistance, and through the United Nations Trust Fund for AMISOM. It welcomes the signing of the National Security and Stabilization Plan, and emphasizes the importance of an early establishment of the National Security Committee.

The resolution encourages member States to continue to cooperate with Somali authorities and each other in the fight against piracy, and underlines the primary role of the Somali authorities. It requests the Somali authorities, with assistance from the Secretary-General and relevant United Nations entities, to pass a complete set of counter-piracy laws without further delay, to ensure effective prosecution of suspected pirates and those associated with piracy attacks, post-conviction transfer of pirates prosecuted elsewhere to Somalia, and the imprisonment of convicted pirates in Somalia, as soon as possible. It urges the Somali authorities to declare an Exclusive Economic Zone, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to promote effective governance of waters off the coast of Somalia.

The resolution emphasizes that the protection of human rights will be essential for the legitimacy of the new Somali authorities, and calls on Somalia to fulfill its obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law. It strongly condemns systematic violations and human rights abuses perpetrated in particular by Al-Shabaab and its affiliates, calls for immediate cessation of these and emphasizes the need for accountability for all such violations. It demands all parties allow full, safe and unhindered access for timely delivery of humanitarian aid.

The representative of Somalia subsequently called the resolution a landmark and said it augured well for the new Government’s efforts to forge ahead towards peace and security and engage more effectively in the fight against piracy. He expressed thanks to the international community particularly those who helped in the fight against Al-Shabaab. He called for continued international support so the full machinery of government could be put in place and popular elections could be held.

Meanwhile, the new Somali President has decided not to attend the UN General Assembly meeting in New York. He has announced that he has too many “tough tasks in his in-tray”. The General Assembly is scheduled to start next Monday (September 24th) in New York.

President Mohamud made the announcement while meeting members of Parliament and some of the failed presidential candidates. He said because of the multitude of tasks awaiting him, he had decided not to go to New York. He will therefore miss the UN Secretary-General’s meeting on Somalia, scheduled for September 26th. The President did not say who would be representing Somalia at the meeting.

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Originally published on A Week in the Horn – Sept. 21, 2012 issue, titled “The UN Security Council’s latest resolution on Somalia”.

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