United Nations Security Council Resolution 2297 – The situation in Somalia

Resolution 2297 (2016)

The Security Council,

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

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

Condemning recent Al Shabaab attacks in Somalia and beyond, expressing serious concern at the ongoing threat posed by Al Shabaab, and underlining its concern that Al Shabaab continues to hold territory and extort revenue in Somalia,

Expressing outrage at the loss of civilian life, in Al Shabaab attacks, and paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifices made by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Somali Security Forces personnel in the fight against Al Shabaab,

Reiterating its determination to support efforts to reduce the threat posed by Al Shabaab in Somalia, and underlining its commitment to support an inclusive Somali-led political peace and reconciliation process,

Expressing grave concern at the continued violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law in Somalia,

Welcoming the positive contributions that the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) has made to supporting the gains made by AMISOM and the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), and underscoring the importance of an effective partnership between the United Nations, the African Union (AU) and Member States in Somalia,

Recognizing that the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has a responsibility to protect its citizens and build its own national security forces, noting that these forces should be inclusive and representative of Somalia and act in full compliance with their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and reaffirming the intent of international partners to support the FGS in achieving this,

Welcoming the FGS and regional leaders’ endorsement of a new National Security Policy, calling on the FGS to accelerate its implementation in view of the remaining threat posed by Al-Shabaab, underlining the importance of further defining the composition of Somalia’s national security forces, identifying capability gaps in order to guide AMISOM and donors’ security sector assistance priorities and signalling areas of cooperation with the international community, and noting the international community’s intention to support the FGS in security sector reform,

Recognizing that a more stable Somalia is of vital importance to ensuring regional security,

AMISOM

Commending the contribution of AMISOM to lasting peace and stability in Somalia, noting its critical role in improving the security situation, expressing its appreciation for the continued commitment of troops, police and equipment to AMISOM by the Governments of Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and other African nations, and recognizing the significant sacrifices made by AMISOM forces,

Welcoming the support of the international community to peace and stability in Somalia, in particular the European Union for its substantial contribution in supporting AMISOM, as well as support from other bilateral partners to both AMISOM and the Somali National Army (SNA), and emphasizing the importance of new contributions, including from the African Union Peace Fund, the private sector, civil society and other donations, in order to share the financial burden of supporting AMISOM,

Taking note of the African Union Peace and Security Council’s communiqué of 28 April 2016 on the situation in Somalia and AMISOM,

Welcoming the holding of the Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the troop and police contributing countries of AMISOM in Djibouti on 28 February 2016, and their commitment to improving coordination within AMISOM and to the revitalisation of AMISOM operations, welcomes the development of the revised Concept of Operations 2016 for AMISOM, as endorsed by the AU Peace and Security Council on 29 June 2016 and looks forward to its implementation,

Welcoming the AU’s investigation of allegations of sexual violence against some AMISOM troops, underlining the importance of the AU implementing the recommendations of the report, and in line with resolution 2272 (2016), calling on the AU and troop-contributing countries to ensure that allegations are properly and thoroughly investigated and appropriate and timely follow-up action is taken, including full investigation of those cases of abuse referred to the AU investigation team,

Expressing concern over the continued activities of Al Shabaab and reports of pro-Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh) elements in Somalia and the security implications of the situation in Yemen for Somalia,

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

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

Adopted by the Security Council at its 7731st meeting, on 7 July 2016.