Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council Briefing on Somalia
2023/6/22
(As delivered)
I thank SRSG Catriona Laing, SRCC El-Amine Souef, and Executive Director Cindy McCain of WFP for their insightful briefings. I also would like to extend warm welcome to His Excellency, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia for his participation in this meeting.
This month, Somalia reaches an important inflection point in its security transition. The Somali Security Forces now shoulder more responsibility to protect their own land and people as the first phase of ATMIS drawdown continues. I would like to pay tribute to all the personnel of ATMIS and Somali Security Forces for their dedication in support of peace and stability in Somalia and the region. We condemn the recent terrorist attack on the ATMIS forward operating base in Lower Shabelle, and wish to offer heartfelt condolences to those who made ultimate sacrifice and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.
We welcome the continued operational advancements by the Somali National Army (SNA), with the help of community defense forces. While further expansion of the SNA’s operations to the southwest is expected, consolidating the Government’s security control in those newly liberated areas is also an essential task to degrade Al-Shabaab for preventing any recurrence of its intrusion. Developing sufficient holding forces in such areas is of the utmost importance, and for that purpose, acceleration of Security Sector Reform (SSR) should remain a priority. We commend the neighboring Troop Contributing Countries to ATMIS for their continued support to Somali force generation by providing capacity building. We further commend the essential role of UNSOM and UNSOS in supporting ATMIS.
Madam President,
The Somalia Transition Plan is a long-term endeavor that requires constant efforts to achieve good governance through institutional capacity building, and in this regard we highly appreciate the strong leadership by the President Mohamud and the challenging circumstances for which Japan stands by. The extension of state authority should derive from the assurance of better social welfare through the reliable delivery of basic services, and this will help garner the trust of the population, which is paramount to degrading the capacities of Al-Shabaab throughout the country.
UN entities and humanitarian organizations need to promote holistic and coordinated assistance. The emphasis the President himself put on the education of Somali people is critically important, and the impact of climate change should be also properly considered and addressed in this regard. Japan, on its part, has contributed to capacity development of local government officials through training programs in Japan to help Somalia’s institution building efforts. We also provided emergency food assistance through WFP in the region to alleviate food insecurity for immediate needs. The Resident Coordinator system should be effectively utilized and should be at the center of our efforts. The Peacebuilding Commission can also play an important role to complement Somali-led state building in transition with its unique advising-bridging-convening capacity.
Inter- and intra- clan conflicts are another security challenge in Somalia. Complex clan dynamics are deeply embedded in national politics, and peaceful coexistence between different clans must be the very foundation of the country’s stability. The ongoing violence in Laascaanood, which has caused a large number of civilian casualties and displaced people, is a serious concern. We commend the ongoing Somali-led national dialogue. All parties need to exercise maximum restraint to create a conducive environment for reconciliation.
A successful transition in Somalia is essential for peace and stability in the entire region. It requires continued support by the international community. Japan remains committed to playing its part to this end.
I thank you.
This month, Somalia reaches an important inflection point in its security transition. The Somali Security Forces now shoulder more responsibility to protect their own land and people as the first phase of ATMIS drawdown continues. I would like to pay tribute to all the personnel of ATMIS and Somali Security Forces for their dedication in support of peace and stability in Somalia and the region. We condemn the recent terrorist attack on the ATMIS forward operating base in Lower Shabelle, and wish to offer heartfelt condolences to those who made ultimate sacrifice and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.
We welcome the continued operational advancements by the Somali National Army (SNA), with the help of community defense forces. While further expansion of the SNA’s operations to the southwest is expected, consolidating the Government’s security control in those newly liberated areas is also an essential task to degrade Al-Shabaab for preventing any recurrence of its intrusion. Developing sufficient holding forces in such areas is of the utmost importance, and for that purpose, acceleration of Security Sector Reform (SSR) should remain a priority. We commend the neighboring Troop Contributing Countries to ATMIS for their continued support to Somali force generation by providing capacity building. We further commend the essential role of UNSOM and UNSOS in supporting ATMIS.
Madam President,
The Somalia Transition Plan is a long-term endeavor that requires constant efforts to achieve good governance through institutional capacity building, and in this regard we highly appreciate the strong leadership by the President Mohamud and the challenging circumstances for which Japan stands by. The extension of state authority should derive from the assurance of better social welfare through the reliable delivery of basic services, and this will help garner the trust of the population, which is paramount to degrading the capacities of Al-Shabaab throughout the country.
UN entities and humanitarian organizations need to promote holistic and coordinated assistance. The emphasis the President himself put on the education of Somali people is critically important, and the impact of climate change should be also properly considered and addressed in this regard. Japan, on its part, has contributed to capacity development of local government officials through training programs in Japan to help Somalia’s institution building efforts. We also provided emergency food assistance through WFP in the region to alleviate food insecurity for immediate needs. The Resident Coordinator system should be effectively utilized and should be at the center of our efforts. The Peacebuilding Commission can also play an important role to complement Somali-led state building in transition with its unique advising-bridging-convening capacity.
Inter- and intra- clan conflicts are another security challenge in Somalia. Complex clan dynamics are deeply embedded in national politics, and peaceful coexistence between different clans must be the very foundation of the country’s stability. The ongoing violence in Laascaanood, which has caused a large number of civilian casualties and displaced people, is a serious concern. We commend the ongoing Somali-led national dialogue. All parties need to exercise maximum restraint to create a conducive environment for reconciliation.
A successful transition in Somalia is essential for peace and stability in the entire region. It requires continued support by the international community. Japan remains committed to playing its part to this end.
I thank you.