“Somalia faces many challenges, but in the spirit of Ramadan, I also bring a message of hope and renewal – The United Nations stands in solidarity with the people of Somalia.
“Let us come together to advance peace and security, sustainable development and human rights – and build a better future for all Somalis,” the UN chief said.
He was speaking at a press conference in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, on the second and final day of his visit to Somalia.
On Tuesday, the Secretary General met with the President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and members of the cabinet and advisers, visit displaced families in the South West State on a trip to Baidoa, and met separately with the social organizations and the leaders of UN organizations, funds and programs working in support of Somalis.
Progress and support
In his remarks at the press conference, the UN chief noted that despite the tough challenges, the Somali people continue to show great strength and power.
“In the six years since my last visit, we have seen progress on peace, security and sustainable development. In my discussions with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the Government yesterday, we discussed how the United Nations system can continue to support Somalia in building on this positive impact,” said Mr. Guterres.
“I commend the efforts of the President to promote peace and security, and shows the importance of strong cooperation with the Federal [Member] States to face the threats posed by Al-Shabaab,” he added. “The United Nations is committed to supporting national and regional efforts to protect human rights and combat terrorism and violent extremism.”
The UN chief expressed support for the African Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), a multi-mission operation that includes military, police and civilian components, and which the UN Security Council ordered to assist the security forces in Somalia their fight against Al. -Shabaab terrorist group.
Society’s generation
While in Mogadishu, the Secretary-General also met with representatives of civil society organizations working on women’s issues and empowerment, climate change, people with disabilities, youth and organizations isolated.
He told media representatives that he was “deeply inspired by their vision and power.”
“A A safe and compact space is essential to good management and can help prevent and reduce violence. The full participation of Somali women and youth in political life – including constitutional review – is essential,” said Mr Guterres.
“I welcome the Government’s commitment to women’s rights and representation and for the full implementation and renewal of Article 30 for women in elections.”
During Somalia’s last electoral process, which ended in 2022, a target was achieved of at least 30 for women’s representation in the joint parliament.
In the end, women take up a 21 percent of the parliamentary seats, down from 24 per cent of parliamentary seats in the 2016/17 electoral process. The United Nations has previously stated that meeting the 30 percent quota is an important first step towards a full representation and inclusive society in Somalia.
UN Secretary General António Guterres met with representatives of Somali civil society organizations in Mogadishu.
humanitarian crisis
The Secretary-General’s last visit to Somalia, in 2017, was during a major humanitarian operation to prevent famine. His visit this year came as Somalia Struggle with severe drought leading to 43,000 deaths in 2022 alone.
Aid is urgently needed for some 8.3 million Somalis, according to the UN humanitarian affairs office (OCHA). Drought has displaced 1.4 million Somalis – with women and children making up 80 percent of these people. Food prices are increasing and increasing hunger and malnutrition.
“Today, the situation is still dire. Climate change is causing chaos. Somalia has experienced five consecutive bad rains, and this is unexpected…
Between now and June, some 6.5 million Somalis are expected to face high levels of acute food insecurity, and the risk of famine is looming.
‘We must do it now’
“We must act now to prevent a disaster. Yesterday, I visited Baidoa and met with families who have lost their lives due to injuries and insecurity – I was very happy when they were fighting. I am also moved by their resilience, their courage and their determination to rebuild their lives, but they cannot do it alone,” said Mr. Guterres.
“I appeal to donors to stand with the Somali people in their time of need,” he continued. “The international community has a responsibility and an opportunity to support Somalia with the resources needed to defeat Al-Shabaab, to build resilience and to [stabilise] the liberated areas and to provide much-needed humanitarian aid. ”
The answer is no money
The Somalia Humanitarian Response Plan 2023, jointly developed by OCHA and its humanitarian partners, identifies the most pressing humanitarian needs in the country, plans a response plan and determines the budget needed to address them.
This year’s program is seeking $2.6 billion. Thus, its funding levels stand at around 15 per cent, or $347 million.
“When famine occurs, this is completely unacceptable. The international community must step up and increase the volume of funds to support Somalia in this difficult time,” said Mr. Guterres.
“It is no surprise that Somalis, who did nothing to create the climate crisis, are suffering its greatest impact – just as they are beginning to emerge from years of conflict and insecurity.”
The two-day visit of the UN chief to Somalia is part of his annual tradition of paying solidarity visits to Muslim countries during the Holy Month of Ramadan, during which he joins in observing the related fast, and sharing an Iftar meal.
Residents of the ADC camp for displaced people in Baidoa, Somalia, where Secretary-General António Guterres made a solidarity visit to Muslim countries during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
