United Nations Security Council Resolution 2687 – The situation in Somalia (ATMIS)

Resolution 2687 (2023)

The Security Council,

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

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

Recalling that the Government of Somalia has primary responsibility for ensuring security within Somalia, and recognising the Government of Somalia ’s request for continued international support to enable it to achieve progressively its aim of a secure, stable, peaceful, united and democratic country,

Commending the contribution to peace and security in Somalia made by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and its successor, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), since the beginning of operations in Somalia 16 years ago,

Commending all those who have served in AMISOM and ATMIS with honour, and paying tribute to those who gave their lives in the pursuit of the mandates of these Missions,

Expressing grave concern that the terrorist group Al-Shabaab continues to pose a serious threat to the peace, security and stability of Somalia and the region, and noting its increased use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs),

Expressing grave concern at the continued presence in Somalia of affiliates linked to ISIL/Da’esh,

Condemning in the strongest possible terms terrorist attacks in Somalia and neighbouring states, expressing deep concern at the loss of civilian life from these attacks, and the risk to international forces as demonstrated by the attacks on ATMIS bases operated and staffed by Burundian and Ugandan personnel in May 2022 and May 2023 respectively, reiterating its determination to support comprehensive efforts to reduce the threat posed by Al-Shabaab, and urging Somalia’s leaders to work together on the fight against terrorism,

Condemning in the strongest terms all attacks, provocations and incitement to violence against ATMIS personnel, and United Nations and associated personnel, calling on all parties to respect fully their obligations under international law, and stressing that those responsible for these acts should be held accountable, and encouraging the African Union, its Member States and the Government of Somalia to take all appropriate measures to ensure the best level possible of safety and security of ATMIS personnel,

Welcoming the progress made by Somalia in the fight against Al-Shabaab, including towards disruption of its financial operations, congratulating Somalia for the recovery of territory from Al-Shabaab, and underlining the importance of preserving the security gains in Somalia and enhancing the support provided to the Somali security forces and ATMIS,

Looking forward to the completion of the transition of responsibilities from ATMIS to the Government of Somalia that will allow for the planned exit of ATMIS from Somalia by December 2024, as this will represent a significant milestone in Somalia’s recovery from civil war and insurgency,

Expressing its commitment to continue to support Somalia to achieve lasting and durable peace and security,

Welcoming the support provided to Somalia, both to-date by troop- and police-contributing countries, and planned through the Frontline States initiative,

Underscoring its desire to support peace and security across the Horn of Africa and to support regional efforts to address threats to peace and security including terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism and the specific threat posed by Al-Shabaab,

Emphasising the importance of capacity building and security sector reform to enable integrated Somali security forces and institutions to respond effectively to security threats, and further emphasising the importance of coordination between the Government of Somalia, the United Nations, African Union, and Somalia ’s international partners to ensure capacity building is joined-up, and enables Somalia to assume full responsibility for its security,

Recognising that military action alone will not be sufficient to resolve threats to peace and security in Somalia, emphasising that the protection of civilians is critical to build sustainable peace, and reiterating the need to pursue a holistic approach that reinforces the foundations of peace and stability, in line with priorities defined by the Government of Somalia including through enhancing:

(i) effective governance and public administration,

(ii) anti-corruption,

(iii) preventing organised crime,

(iv) the rule of law,

(v) justice and law enforcement,

(vi) efforts to counter terrorism,

(vii) efforts to promote terrorist disengagement and defections,

(viii) preventing and countering violent extremism conducive to terrorism,

(ix) security sector reform, and

Noting the potential of international cooperation and support for peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction and development in Somalia, if provided in line with priorities defined by the Somali authorities, and further noting in this regard the African Union Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (AUPCRD) policy and the AUPCRD dedicated centre in Cairo,

Recalling its resolution 1325 (2000) and subsequent resolutions, recognising the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peacebuilding, and stressing the importance of the full, equal and meaningful participation and involvement of women in all efforts at all levels for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security, and the need to increase the role of women in decision-making and leadership regarding conflict prevention and resolution, as envisaged in the Somali Women’s Charter,

Condemning violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law in Somalia, calling on all parties to act in full compliance with their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law, as applicable,

Expressing serious concern about the humanitarian situation in Somalia, and calling for all parties to the conflict to allow and facilitate, in accordance with relevant provisions of international law, including applicable international humanitarian law, and in a manner consistent with the United Nations guiding principles of humanitarian emergency assistance (United Nations General Assembly resolution 46/182), including humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence the provision of humanitarian assistance necessary to support civilians in need,

Emphasising the need for adequate risk assessment and risk management strategies by the Government of Somalia and the United Nations, of climate change, other ecological changes, natural disasters and other factors on the stability of Somalia,

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

Adopted by the Security Council at its 9359th meeting, on 27 June 2023