United Nations Security Council Resolution 2408 – The situation in Somalia

Resolution 2408 (2018)

The Security Council,

Recalling 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, and underscoring the importance of working to prevent destabilizing effects of regional crises and disputes from spilling over into Somalia,

Strongly condemning recent attacks by the terrorist group Al-Shabaab including the terrorist attack of 14 October 2017, which targeted civilians in Mogadishu killing in excess of 500 people, and the attacks of 23 February 2018, expressing serious concern at the ongoing threat posed by Al-Shabaab, as well as the presence of affiliates linked to Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da ’esh) and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, and reiterating its determination to support efforts, including through a comprehensive approach, to reduce the threat posed by Al-Shabaab in Somalia, in accordance with applicable international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law,

Paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifices made by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali security forces in the fight against Al-Shabaab, commending AMISOM and the Somalia security forces for the provision of security and recognising that security provided by AMISOM remains critical at this stage,

Commending the role of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) in supporting peace and reconciliation, conflict resolution, the state formation process, the electoral process, the National Security Architecture implementation, a realistic conditions-based transition plan (Transition Plan) with clear target dates, and the promotion and protection of human rights and compliance with international humanitarian law in Somalia,

Expressing its full support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNSOM, Michael Keating, and the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia and the Head of AMISOM, Francisco Caetano José Madeira,

Welcoming the progress made since the election of President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo on 8 February 2017, including the swift appointment of a Government, the increased representation of women in Parliament and Government, commitment to economic reforms including those needed to support re-engagement with the International Financial Institutions, formal approval of the drafting of a National Development Plan and the mobilisation of a coordination architecture to support its implementation, agreement on the National Security Architecture, development of a Transition Plan, and the political roadmap,

Underscoring the need to maintain momentum towards consolidating Somalia’s federal system in this regard, welcoming the commitments of the Federal Government of Somalia to one person, one vote elections in 2020/2021, underscoring the importance of making progress on the political roadmap, agreement on revenue collection and resource sharing, the new policing model, the justice and correctionmodel and formalising the status of the Federal Member States as soon as possible, and further welcoming the commitment of the Federal Government of Somalia and Federal Member States as set out in the 5 November 2017 consultative meeting to reach an agreement on outstanding constitutional issues in close consultation with the Parliament within six months,

Welcoming the commitment of the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States to pursue inclusive political dialogue to support the peacef ul resolution of disputes that threaten internal peace and security including the recent efforts in Gaalkacyo, Marka and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)-led reconciliation agreement between the Galmudug administration with Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a (ASWJ) that confirmed Dhusamareb as the administrative capital of Galmudug, and expressing concern over continuing tension between “Somaliland” and Puntland in Sool and Sanaag,

Underlining that a capable, accountable, acceptable and affordable security sector, with full respect for human rights and the rule of law, is a crucial part of long -term peace in Somalia, noting that progress in improving Somalia’s security needs to be accelerated and prioritized, and stressing the importance of stabilisation activities, development, and political and economic reforms to a comprehensive approach to security,

Welcoming in this regard agreement on the Somalia National Security Architecture endorsed by the National Security Council on 8 May 2017, the Security Pact adopted by the Federal Government of Somalia, Federal Member States and all international partners attending the London Somalia Conference on 11 May 2017, consistent with the transition of the primary responsibility for security to the Somali Security Forces, and the renewed commitment of the Federal Government and Federal Member States at the Somalia Security Conference on 4 December 2017,

Welcoming the Federal Government of Somalia’s development of a Transition Plan with clear target dates, geographical priorities and the operational readiness assessment, with a view to conducting a conditions-based, gradual handover of security from AMISOM to the Somali Security Forces, including conducting joint operations with AMISOM in order to become the primary security provider in Somalia, and calling for its swift finalisation and implementation,

Welcoming the Federal Government of Somalia and the international community’s commitment to a Comprehensive Approach to Security (CAS) in Somalia, and recognizing the need for non-military approaches as part of this approach in order to achieve long-term human security for Somalis,

Welcoming the Federal Government of Somalia’s active engagement with the Universal Periodic Review process, encouraging full implementation of all accepted recommendations, condemning the continued violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law in Somalia, and underscoring the need to end impunity, uphold and fulfil human rights and hold accountable those responsible for crimes involving violations or abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law,

Recognising that the year ahead should see the swift implementation of critical agreements reached in 2017, particularly the outcomes from the December High Level Meetings in Mogadishu which agreed a Mutual Accountability Framework setting out political, economic and security priorities for 2018, agreed to map a conditions-based transition with clear target dates and an implementation plan for the national security architecture which together lay the political, development and economic milestones for the completion of the political roadmap, underscoring the importance of effective implementation and mutual accountability, and emphasising UNSOM’s central role to support implementation,

Recalling the 10 December 2017 UN Protection of Civilians Report and the Conclusions on Children and Armed Conflict (S/AC.51/2017/2),

Expressing grave concern at the credible and continued risk of famine in Somalia as a result of the severe drought in the context of ongoing conflict and environmental factors, welcoming the Federal Government of Somalia’s response to the humanitarian crisis, and encouraging further cooperation with international and national humanitarian actors to relieve immediate need and build longer-term resilience, including for internally displaced persons,

Recalling its Presidential statement S/PRST/2011/15, recognising the adverse effects of climate change, ecological changes and natural disasters among other factors on the stability of Somalia, including through drought, desertification, land degradation, and food insecurity, and emphasising the need for adequate risk assessments and risk management strategies by governments and the United Nations relating to these factors;

Welcoming the generous support of donors to the Somali authorities and the Humanitarian Response Plan, encouraging further contributions to humanitarian assistance efforts, and welcoming United Nations’ efforts to coordinate the drought response and support the Somali authorities.

Adopted by the Security Council at its 8215th meeting, on 27 March 2018.