United Nations Security Council Resolution 2696 – The situation in Somalia

Resolution 2696 (2023)

The Security Council,

Recalling all its previous resolutions and statements of its President on the situation in Somalia,

Reaffirming its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia,

Welcoming the constructive engagement between the Federal Government of Somalia, Jubaland State Government and Panel of Experts on the matter of charcoalstockpiles in and around Kismayo,

Taking note of the correspondence between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) (the Committee) regarding the disposal of this charcoal,

Determining that the situation in Somalia continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Recalls paragraph 36 of resolution 2662 (2022), and takes note of the proposal presented to the Committee by the Federal Government of Somalia for the one-off, complete disposal of the charcoal stockpile by export in a letter dated 14 August 2023 (OP/NSA/1121/023);

2. Decides to authorise the Federal Government of Somalia to implement this proposal as a one-off exemption to the ban on the import and export of charcoal from Somalia, as set out in paragraph 22 of its resolution 2036 (2012), and paragraphs 11 to 21 of resolution 2182 (2014);

3. Directs the Committee to follow up on the above decision and the implementation of the Federal Government of Somalia’s proposal;

4. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

Adopted by the Security Council at its 9412th meeting, on 7 September 2023.