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I thank the UK Presidency for organizing this rare country-focused open debate.  I thank the briefers for their valuable input. Allow me to express my special thanks to the outgoing SRSG, Ambassador Nickolas Kay. You established and led the UN mission in Somalia under exceptionally difficult conditions, always with the interests of the Somali people at heart. We warmly welcome Prime Minister Sharmarke joining us today at this meeting.   Mr. President, Recent positive developments in Somalia – political stabilization, Declaration of “Vision 2016”, genuine steps towards federalization of the country- give us cautious optimism about the future of Somalia.

The Somali leadership, not least the federal government led by you, Prime Minister Sharmarke, has recently come together and agreed to an inclusive and transparent consultation regarding the 2016 electoral process.

The regional consultations, scheduled to begin in the next few days, will provide crucial input to the meeting of the National Consultative Forum in December, where a decision will be taken on Somalia's electoral model. We understand that finding consensus will not be easy, but it is what the Somali people need and international community expects.

While some may call for an extension of the current political dispensation, this would be unacceptable.  Somalia deserves a political transition in 2016, through an electoral process that gives the federal parliament, president and government enhanced legitimacy with a new mandate.

Mr. President,

We welcome Somalia's pledge to form the final interim regional administration, consisting of Hiraan and Middle Shabelle, before the end of the year. This will, by and large, complete Somalia's federal map - an impressive achievement in itself. More attention will be needed for a strengthened dialogue and cooperation between the center and the periphery.

Eradicating poverty and addressing fragile economy, the lack of alternative livelihoods and weak governance structures must remain at the heart of Federal Government’s efforts, as all these factors constitute a major factor for instability. Efforts must continue to lay the foundation for an inclusive and sustainable economic recovery and development, as well for support for livestock, agriculture and fisheries sectors.

An active involvement of the youth and women in the ongoing processes is essential. Women‘s empowerment and their active involvement at all levels is particularly important for sustaining long-term stability and development of the country.

Mr. President,

With all the positive and promising developments in Somalia, we cannot forget the serious and systematic violations and abuses of human rights perpetrated by Al-Shabaab and others against the civilian population, including women, children, journalists, parliamentarians, human rights defenders and humanitarian workers. We are particularly alarmed by the abuses against children. Nearly 750 cases of grave violations against children have been reported over a year’s time.  

All parties to the conflict have a responsibility to protect the civilians.  All allegations of mass atrocity crimes must be investigated and perpetrators must be held to account.

Another alarming development is the allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by AMISOM troops. We must stand firm with regards to the imperative of a zero tolerance policy concerning sexual exploitation and abuse, wherever, by whomever such abuse may be committed.

Mr. President,

This year Committee to Protect Journalists put Somalia at the top of the list of countries most dangerous to journalists. They are targeted mostly by Al-Shabaab militants for have for years threatened and assaulted journalists for their courageous coverage of the group's murderous activities. Most recently on November 1, several journalists were wounded and one killed (Mustaf Abdinur Safaana, a freelance TV cameraman) in an attack against a hotel in central Mogadishu. We must remember those who dare to expose the terrorists, also at the expense of their own lives, and seek accountability for crimes against them.

Mr. President,

Concerted international assistance played a crucial role in the progress that Somalia has achieved so far.  We welcome the conclusions of UNSOA review which notes that this unique mission is overstretched, no longer entirely fit for purpose. We hope that the newly established UNSOS, with its well defined mandate and resources, will be able perform its role adequately.

Continued adequate support for AMISOM, SNA and UNSOM is required. We expect the AU to deploy the long-delayed and key force enablers to Somalia, such as transport and attack helicopters, as it would mark a qualitative shift in the ongoing campaign against Al-Shabaab and facilitate the permanent opening of the main supply routes that are so critical to civilian traffic as well as humanitarian supplies.

We have ten critical and sensitive months ahead of us. We look forward to all Somali leaders and politicians working together, in good faith, for the common good of the Somali people and the Somali nation.  Personal interests should be put aside at this most critical juncture, for the sake of continued progress toward the fulfilment of Vision 2016. Continued and well coordinated assistance by Somalia's international partners is also required under the leadership of the SRSG, to provide Somalia with the political and financial support that it needs.