S/PV.9828 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of Ethiopia and Somalia to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members of the Council have before them document S/2024/961, which contains the text of a draft resolution submitted by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements before the voting.

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has played an irreplaceable role in Somalia’s security and stabilization. In service of that Mission, many of its personnel and those of its predecessor, the African Union Mission in Somalia, also paid the highest price. I would like to pay tribute today to their bravery and their sacrifice. The draft resolution presented for adoption today (S/2024/961) mandates the successor Mission to ATMIS, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which will build on ATMIS’ achievements to strengthen stability and security in Somalia. It is the culmination of a complex negotiation, and we thank all members of the Council for their collaborative and consultative approach. Throughout negotiations, the Council has remained united in its collective determination to continue supporting Somalia in its fight against Al-Shabaab and its efforts to achieve lasting and durable peace and security. The draft resolution robustly reinforces the Council’s support to Somalia. It authorizes AUSSOM to support Somalia in its fight against Al-Shabaab, strengthen Somalia’s stabilization efforts and enable the delivery of humanitarian assistance. And it prepares the ground for the Council to approve a transformative change to the Mission’s financing in May 2025, with the first anticipated use of the framework established by resolution 2719 (2023). We look forward to continued Council engagement on Somalia into the new year, with renewal of the Al-Shabaab sanctions regime in February, the first round of reporting on the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia and AUSSOM due in March 2025 and a strategic review of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia due by 1 April 2025.

I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now.

The draft resolution received 14 votes in favour, none against and 1 abstention. The draft resolution has been adopted as resolution 2767 (2024). I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements after the voting.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council  — Mozambique, Sierra Leone and my own country, Algeria  — plus Guyana (A3+). At the outset, we wish to thank the penholder, the United Kingdom, for its extensive efforts to reach a compromise on this important resolution (resolution 2767 (2024)). We welcome the presence of the permanent representatives of Somalia and Ethiopia at this meeting. Today’s resolution marks an important milestone on Somalia’s path to consolidating State-building and stability. We are confident that the deployment of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) will be a clear added value in the security landscape and a crucial support to the efforts deployed by the Federal Government of Somalia. As expected, the issue around financing of the Mission has been at the heart of the negotiations. The A3+, guided by the African Union (AU), has expressed its support for the hybrid option for the implementation of framework resolution 2719 (2023), as the only viable and applicable option for the case of AUSSOM during the phases of the Mission. We defended that path while insisting on the imperative to ensure the predictability, sustainability and flexibility of the resources to be mobilized from the international community. The AU member States, while already, and naturally, contributing to the United Nations budget, have accepted to consider a token financial contribution to the new Mission in Somalia. That contribution has been carefully considered, despite the financial challenges that the continent is facing. The strong commitment demonstrated by the African Union on this file illustrates concretely the ability of that continental organization to craft African solutions to African problems. However, let us be clear: the financial contribution cannot go beyond the financial abilities of the African Union. AUSSOM represents the first test case for the international community and its willingness to support the African Union in addressing its security challenges. Therefore, we showed a significant spirit of compromise during the negotiations so that we could reach an acceptable and fair outcome for all of us. That constructive spirit of compromise was motivated by the need to take into account different dynamics within and outside the Council. Moreover, the imperative to preserve and build on the hard-won security gains, as well as the commendable progress realized by the Federal Government of Somalia, has guided our common position. Therefore, our support for the text before us emanates from our deep belief that every way must be explored to support Somalia’s efforts in the fight against terrorism, in accordance with Somalia’s priorities and aspirations. We supported this text, while bearing in mind that we cannot afford the process to fail, which would jeopardize the years of heavy sacrifices made by the troop-contributing countries (TCCs) and the brave men and women on the ground. We seize this opportunity to pay tribute to the African Union and the TCCs for their pan-African support of Somalia during the past 18 years, on behalf of the international community and the Security Council. Let us together ensure that the journey will keep moving forward and bear fruit for the people of Somalia.

I thank the United Kingdom for its critical role as penholder, and I welcome the representatives of Ethiopia and Somalia. The Republic of Korea voted in favour of the resolution (resolution 2767 (2024)) authorizing the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) to support regional and international efforts in bringing peace and stability to Somalia. We trust that the newly authorized Mission will continue to build on the hard-won gains made by its predecessors, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and prevent security gaps that could enable opportunistic terrorist expansion. Upholding obligations under international law and ensuring full compliance with standards of conduct and the United Nations Due Diligence Policy on Human Rights will be crucial in implementing its mandate. Adequate, predictable and sustainable funding is critical to achieving those goals. We welcome that the resolution has paved the way for the hybrid implementation of the framework established by resolution 2719 (2023), which the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission strongly recommended. The exceptional funding model is expected to effectively address the chronic funding challenges faced by the predecessor Missions. We strongly urge the Secretary-General to expedite preparations for the framework, enabling the Council to confirm its decision in May following his report. The independent strategic review of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia will also be crucial in supporting the potential implementation of the funding model. Throughout the process, compliance, financial oversight and accountability must remain paramount. As a long-standing donor to Somalia since 1993, the Republic of Korea has contributed United Nations peacekeepers and both financial and in-kind contributions to AMISOM and ATMIS. In addition, we have also contributed a total of $12.5 million bilaterally to the African Union this year, and we are the ninth-largest assessed contributor to the United Nations peacekeeping budget. We remain committed to extending our support for AUSSOM next year as well. Moreover, we have actively and wholeheartedly engaged in the negotiations as a bridge-builder and will continue to do so throughout our membership on the Security Council.

Malta thanks the United Kingdom very much for its extensive efforts as penholder on this process. The resolution that we have just adopted (resolution 2767 (2024)) authorizes the new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), for an initial period of 12 months, alongside a reconfigured United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS). We welcome this endeavour, as it will further secure Somalia’s long-term security goals, including the fight against Al-Shabaab. In addition, we welcome preparations made to that end, such as the concept of operations and the joint report. They have helped narrow down the key tasks, scope and available financing options for AUSSOM. Malta supports the hybrid implementation of the framework established by resolution 2719 (2023), as outlined in the joint report. That will enable AUSSOM to operate under a credible financial framework. As mandated by this resolution, we look forward to the next Secretary-General’s report to detail progress on resolution 2719 (2023) under the hybrid implementation, as well as the independent strategic review of UNSOS. The European Union has been a long-standing partner in shaping Somalia’s security architecture. Since the deployment of the African Union Mission in Somalia in 2007 and, subsequently, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, the European Union has provided more than €2.6 billion in support of their military, police and civilian components. In addition, the European Union has provided five packages of support to the Somali National Army, totalling another €110 million since 2019. We will remain committed to contributing to AUSSOM, while continuing our assistance to Somalia for its security needs. Support for Somalia also requires the support of a diversified donor base, in line with the principle of burden-sharing. Let us continue to work collectively towards that next phase.

France thanks the United Kingdom for its crucial role in preparing the text. We welcome the adoption of resolution 2767 (2024), which establishes the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The Mission represents a new stage in support for Somalia’s efforts in the fight against Al-Shabaab and ultimately to ensure its own security. Somalia can count on France’s support in that essential objective. The resolution marks an important milestone, by providing for the implementation of the first African peace operation under the terms of resolution 2719 (2023). France has always been committed to that model. We are delighted that the Security Council has succeeded in defining for the first time a hybrid framework for cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union. That demonstrates the Council’s ability to adapt the tools at its disposal, in collaboration with the regional organizations concerned. France wishes to reiterate that AUSSOM will continue to rely on voluntary contributions from its partners. The European Union, which has committed more than €2.6 billion to African Union missions in Somalia since 2007, must be fully involved in the new Mission. We trust that the European Union will remain committed, within the limits of its capabilities, and will complement the support provided by the rest of the international community. Only a joint and coordinated response from all Somalia’s partners will be able to stem the terrorist threat. There are no traditional or non-traditional partners — only partners of Somalia for its security and sovereignty in the twenty-first century. France is delighted to be able to benefit from hearing Somalia’s views on the matter in the Council as early as next week, as is the case for all countries concerned with all items on the Council’s agenda.

Slovenia voted in favour of resolution 2767 (2024) on the establishment of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). We thank the United Kingdom for its tireless efforts in trying to find a compromise that would deliver a strong mandate for the new Mission and we note the strong support of the Council for the new Mission in Somalia. All necessary steps described in the resolution must be implemented in due time so that the Mission may begin receiving predictable, sustainable and adequate funding by 1 July 2025. Any delay beyond that date would endanger the effectiveness of the Mission and have serious repercussions for the security and stability of Somalia and the region. Furthermore, the international community needs to come together to achieve fair burden-sharing and mobilize the necessary financial resources, including towards the voluntary portion of AUSSOM’s budget. Only if those criteria are met will the Mission be able to implement its mandate from the first day of its deployment. The European Union, of which Slovenia is a member, will continue to provide financial, in-kind and logistical support to AUSSOM in line with its long-standing commitment to Somalia. Let me conclude by paying respect to all members of the African Union Mission in Somalia and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia. Their sacrifice in supporting the peace and security and stability of Somalia will never be forgotten. We commend the Somali people for their resilience and progress. It is our sincere hope that successful collaboration between Somalia, the United Nations and the African Union will result in AUSSOM becoming the last Mission ever to be mandated by the Council to Somalia. We wish the new Mission all the best in implementing its important duties.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the United Kingdom, as penholder, for its efforts during the negotiations, and to the other members of the Council for their engagement. I also welcome the presence of the representatives of Somalia and Ethiopia at this meeting. Switzerland voted in favour of resolution 2767 (2024) and welcomes its adoption. The authorization of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is essential to consolidate the progress made in Somalia. The resolution clearly underscores the protection of civilians as a priority of AUSSOM’s mandate. We therefore insist on full respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law by all parties. The resolution also provides a framework for compliance with standards of conduct, discipline and accountability. Those are the basic principles that we have defended on many occasions within the Council, including during the negotiations on this text. We also welcome the fact that the resolution sets out a clear path towards predictable and sustainable funding for AUSSOM through the hybrid implementation of resolution 2719 (2023). It is crucial that the necessary preparations be undertaken by the United Nations and the African Union as soon as possible in order to enable the Council to confirm its implementation as of 1 July 2025. We hope that the transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to AUSSOM will contribute to a lasting and inclusive peace in Somalia and enable it to ensure its own security. I would also like to pay respect to all ATMIS personnel who have dedicated themselves to the Mission over the years. In that connection, I reaffirm our full support for Somalia and its people. We will remain committed to working with them well beyond our mandate on the Council to build a lasting peace and a prosperous future.

The Council has just adopted resolution 2767 (2024), authorizing the transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) in order to ensure that the important tasks of combating terrorism and protecting civilians in Somalia will continue to be performed. Its adoption demonstrates the Council’s determination to support the achievement of lasting peace in Somalia. China voted in favour of the resolution and would like to take this opportunity to express its appreciation to the United Kingdom for its efforts as penholder. In recent years, with the support of international partners, Somalia has made significant progress in its fight against terrorism. Nevertheless, the security situation remains complex and grave. The establishment of AUSSOM marks the beginning of a new phase in the peacekeeping efforts of the African Union (AU) in Somalia. China supports the plan formulated by the AU and the Somali Government on the transition of the new Mission and hopes that all parties will continue to work together in the next phase to ensure a proper handover of the work of the two Missions, avoid a security vacuum and consolidate the hard-won achievements in the fight against terrorism. Resolution 2719 (2023) represents an important framework arrangement for supporting AU-led and African-owned peacekeeping operations and China has always supported its early implementation. China welcomes resolution 2767 (2024), which authorizes financing for AUSSOM in accordance with resolution 2719 (2023) starting in July next year. That is an important step forward in the Council’s support for AU-led peacekeeping operations. China encourages the United Nations and the AU to speed up preparations for the implementation of the framework of resolution 2719 (2023) in order to ensure that it is successfully applied to AUSSOM in July next year and guarantee the predictability and sustainability of the Mission’s funding. At the same time, it should be noted that AUSSOM is still facing a huge funding gap at all stages of its operations, which may constrain its effectiveness in carrying out its functions. China calls on traditional donors to continue to fulfil their responsibilities in providing adequate financial support to the Mission. China stands ready to contribute to the security and stabilization of Somalia.

I welcome the presence of the representatives of Somalia and Ethiopia. Japan thanks the United Kingdom, as penholder, for its constructive engagement and tireless efforts during the negotiations. Japan welcomes the adoption of resolution 2767 (2024), authorizing the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) at a critical moment for Somalia’s security transition. Let me take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the personnel of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia and the Somali security forces for their sacrifice. We believe that AUSSOM will play a vital role in supporting Somalia’s goal of assuming greater responsibility for security and in promoting peace and reconciliation efforts, in close cooperation and coordination with the United Nations Support Office in Somalia and the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia. We also welcome the Ankara Declaration recently signed between Somalia and Ethiopia. Continued regional cooperation is critical, particularly in the fight against Al-Shabaab. Japan further appreciates the incorporation into the resolution of the potential future implementation of the framework established by resolution 2719 (2023) for AUSSOM. Resolution 2719 (2023) paved the way for a groundbreaking contribution to addressing the perennial challenge of financing for AU-led peace support operations, and thereby supporting and promoting African ownership. Japan, for its part, recently decided to contribute $3 million to the police component of AUSSOM’s operations. We welcome the Council’s call for the Secretary-General, jointly with the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, to accelerate preparations towards implementing the framework in resolution 2719 (2023) for AUSSOM and to report on progress in that regard to the Council. The firm establishment of United Nations-AU coordinated oversight and accountability and strict observance of the human rights due diligence policy and the conduct and discipline compliance framework are essential not only for AUSSOM but for the future application of the framework as well. As Japan leaves the Council next week, we reiterate our commitment to continue supporting Somalia’s endeavour towards sustainable peace and stability both for the country and the region.

The Russian Federation supported resolution 2767 (2024), prepared by the British penholders, concerning the establishment of the new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). At the outset, we would like to thank the leadership and peacekeepers of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia for their service and to pay tribute to those who have laid down their lives for the cause of stabilizing the situation in Somalia. Russia voted in favour of the resolution because we firmly believe that the presence of African peacekeepers in Somalia remains essential. They possess the necessary experience in armed combat against Al-Shabaab and are committed to respecting international human rights and international humanitarian law standards in carrying out their operations. We also believe that a pan-African command-and-control system has shown its effectiveness. We consider it important not to let up in the efforts to stabilize the political situation in Somalia. The Federal Government and the federal states should continue to overcome their differences and forge a common path so as to strengthen the territorial integrity and unity of their country, despite the difficulties of the electoral period, and the international community should support those endeavours. The Federal Government should also prioritize improving the effectiveness of law enforcement so that once AUSSOM has concluded its work it is able to independently protect civilians and infrastructure throughout the country. We believe that Mogadishu’s forthcoming two-year term on the Council will give further impetus to the Council’s efforts to tackle the threat to international peace and security posed by Al-Shabaab. The Council’s adoption of the resolution on AUSSOM is unique with regard to realizing the potential of resolution 2719 (2023) for the co-financing of African peacekeeping operations through the United Nations budget. We hope that the resolution adopted today will increase the predictability, reliability and flexibility of financing for the maintenance of peace and security in Somalia with the African Union in the lead role. We think the Security Council has taken an important step towards demonstrating its confidence in the region’s leadership in resolving crises in Africa and its readiness to increase cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union in the interests of international peace and security. We note in particular the robust and consolidated position of the three African members of the Security Council in defending not only the most appropriate hybrid model for financing AUSSOM recommended by the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission but also the decision of the African Union Peace and Security Council. However, we feel compelled to note that for months we have had to witness a tussle between those who no longer want to fund African peacekeepers in Somalia and those who do not want to take on any new financial commitments even through the African Union-United Nations partnership mechanism. Against that backdrop, statements of support for Africans and their aspirations appear hypocritical. While this issue, which we have been unable to agree on for so long, amounts to a total of between $100 million and $150 million, the West’s funding of Ukraine from February 2022 to the beginning of this year is estimated to be $238.5 billion. Ukraine’s largest donor over those three years has been the United States, with $95.2 billion, while the United Kingdom has provided $13.4 billion. The European Union (EU) and its member States gave Ukraine €94.2 billion, €6.1 billion of which came from the so- called European Peace Facility, which was created out of the EU’s African Peace Facility, and that figure will soon exceed €11 billion. It is clear that Africa has long ceased to be a priority for the EU — something that our African colleagues should be cognizant of and take into account for the future. Despite that, we want to commend our African colleagues and the African Union as a whole. A crucial first step has been taken in terms of ensuring reliable and predictable funding for African efforts towards peace and security. For its part, Russia will continue to support those efforts next year, when the issue of funding for AUSSOM will again be on the Council’s agenda.

I welcome the presence of the representatives of Ethiopia and Somalia in the Chamber. My delegation acknowledges the invaluable diplomatic endeavours of the United Kingdom, which as penholder has steered the Council to its adoption of resolution 2767 (2024), which could represent a key tool in the consolidation of peace, security and stability in Somalia. Even before Ecuador assumed its responsibility as an elected member of the Council for a two-year term from 2023 to 2024, we sympathized with the legitimate and long-standing aspirations of the African Union regarding the need to enhance the predictability, sustainability and flexibility of financing for African Union-led peace support operations led and authorized by the African Union and under the Security Council’s authority, consistent with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, as the resolution that has just been adopted puts it. That was the main reason for our vote in favour of the resolution presented to the Council and formed the rationale for our support for the members of the Group of African States in 2023, culminating in the adoption of resolution 2719 (2023) during Ecuador’s presidency of the Security Council in December last year. The Secretariat and the African Union Commission now bear the weighty responsibility of expediting the necessary preparations for the Council to authorize the implementation of the hybrid plan set out in resolution 2719 (2023). As our term on the Council comes to an end, Ecuador reaffirms its unwavering support for the people of Somalia and expresses its hope that the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, in accordance with the principle of national ownership and in full respect for its national sovereignty, will contribute to laying the foundations for lasting peace and a future of stability and development for Somalia.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the United States. At the outset, the United States thanks all troop- and police-contributing countries for their service and sacrifice to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia and the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) and we pay tribute to those who lost their lives in support of those Missions. The fight against Al-Shabaab and other terrorist elements in Somalia underscores the serious nature of our task here today. And in that context, I welcome the participation of the representatives of Somalia and Ethiopia. Our decision to abstain in the voting on resolution 2767 (2024) is not one we took lightly. Despite our serious concerns, I want to underscore that the United States remains committed to supporting and strengthening African Union (AU) peace support operations. Our commitment to Somalia extends over decades. The United States provides bilateral assistance to increase security, promote economic growth and advance peace and stability, totalling more than $1.2 billion each year. As the largest financial contributor to United Nations peacekeeping globally, the United States has paid one quarter of the annual budget of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) since the inception of AU peace support operations through AMISOM, providing critical life-saving logistical support to AU troops and the Somali security forces. The United States is also proud to have supported the adoption of resolution 2719 (2023) in December 2023, which broke new ground in providing a framework for the Security Council to authorize the use of United Nations-assessed contributions to support AU peace and support operations. The United States has long been a supporter and partner of the African Union and knows the valuable expertise that the institution brings to managing conflicts on the continent. We supported resolution 2719 (2023) not simply as a source of funding but as a means of strengthening the partnership between the African Union and the United Nations. United States support for resolution 2719 (2023) came about because we listened and responded to the long-standing position of our African partners. However, in our view, the conditions have not been met for an immediate transition to the application of resolution 2719 (2023) in Somalia. Furthermore, when the Security Council adopted resolution 2719 (2023), Member States agreed that the United Nations-assessed contributions would fund no more than 75 per cent of AU peace support operations annual budgets, with the remainder to be mobilized from the international community jointly by the AU and the United Nations. It is clear that the Council intended for resolution 2719 (2023) to apply to logistical support and personnel under a “one mission, one budget” model. The resolution states that the United Nations-assessed contributions will not exceed 75 per cent of a mission’s annual budget and cited logistical support as included in that, in addition to personnel costs. Despite that, the hybrid model proposed in resolution 2767 (2024) implies that the United Nations would continue to fully fund UNSOS through United Nations-assessed contributions and that resolution 2719 (2023) would apply solely to troop reimbursements. That arrangement would result in United Nations-assessed contributions effectively funding more than 90 per cent of the aggregate Mission cost. That is clearly not what resolution 2719 (2023) envisioned. As we said at the time of the adoption of resolution 2719 (2023) and have demonstrated since through our actions and diplomatic efforts, the United States stands ready to work with Security Council members and the African Union to determine how the remainder of the budget will be financed. We cannot, however, vote in favour of a resolution that uses that new model without referencing the intent to transition to a consolidated budget, as was the case in resolution 2719 (2023) and in keeping with the standard and best practices in peacekeeping. And for the record, we would not support a subvention or any other mechanism as another workaround to the intent of a resolution adopted by the Council in order to access additional assessed contributions. In our view, such an approach, however expedient in the short term, would run the risk of undermining the credibility of that new model in the long term. The United States will remain a steadfast proponent of the African Union’s peace support operations and our partner, Somalia. We will do everything in our power to support and strengthen resolution 2719 (2023), as agreed by the Council, as a tool, including by assessing the progress of the AU and the United Nations against benchmarks outlined in the AU-United Nations joint road map. We will support both institutions as they work to set up that tool for success and, most importantly, support Somalia in its effort to combat threats to its security and stability. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of Somalia.

Since this is the first time my delegation is taking the floor this month, I would like to congratulate you, Madam President, on the excellent way you are conducting the work of the Council this month. We welcome the adoption of resolution 2767 (2024), which marks a significant step towards sustained peace and stability in my country. I take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to the penholder, the United Kingdom and all Security Council members for their constructive engagement on this important resolution. We acknowledge the Council’s intention to operationalize the historic resolution 2719 (2023) through the current adoption of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) for one year. We look forward to the Secretary-General’s strategic review in May and welcome the Council’s call to implement the African Union-United Nations recommended hybrid model in July 2025. That approach recognizes the unique operational context and reinforces the logistical support provided by the United Nations, which has been instrumental in the success of peace support operations. In addition, access to the United Nations-assessed contributions of up to 75 per cent could provide adequate, predictable and sustainable funding to AUSSOM and significantly enhance its capacity to confront the security challenges posed by Al-Shabaab. As we proceed with our technical and political engagements during this preparatory phase one of AUSSOM for reorientation and realignment, we urge donors to contribute to support the Somali security forces and the AUSSOM funding gaps during phase one. Such support will preserve the hard-earned gains and enable the effective implementation of the mandate from the outset of phase two and lay the groundwork for the new mission by June 2025. In conclusion, I express my sincere appreciation for the collaborative spirit that has brought us to this moment and look forward to ensuring that the promises made today translate into tangible benefits for the people of Somalia.

I now give the floor to the representative of Ethiopia.

I congratulate you, Madam President, on assuming the presidency of the Council for the month of December. I wish to commend the penholder, the United Kingdom, for its tireless efforts in facilitating the negotiation of resolution 2767 (2024), which authorizes the transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Terrorism is a rising global peace and security threat. Al-Shabaab is continually enhancing its organizational and operational capability in order to inflict more damage on civilians and fulfil its aspiration of forming a regional caliphate. It is also joining forces with the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS) and other terrorist groups in order to create a global terrorist network spanning the continent of Africa and the Red Sea. Al-Shabaab has been expanding its recruitment reach and pushing for more territorial control. Its increasing tendency to collaborate with other global terrorist networks is a worrisome development. That is all the more concerning because terrorist groups such as ISIS are gaining a foothold in Somalia. That group appears to be playing a clear role in creating maritime insecurity, including piracy on the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Al-Shabaab has also enhanced its ability to mobilize resources and financing from within and outside Somalia. It is also acquiring advanced weaponry and equipment. The transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM is taking place amid those uncertainties. We share the high expectation that AUSSOM will positively contribute to Somalia’s long-term stability while preserving the security gains made so far. However, the transition will be successful only if Somalia’s security forces are able to assume their full responsibility. A national consensus within Somalia and a unified regional front against terrorism are indispensable elements. Without that political and operational readiness, consolidating the security gains will be difficult. We therefore concur with the Council’s cautious approach whereby any further transition should be informed by progressive improvement in the capacity of the Somali security forces to take full responsibility. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of the continued engagement of the international community. We are at a delicate stage marking yet another transition since the formation of the subregional mission, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development Peace Support Mission to Somalia, almost two decades ago. The international community has invested massively in this journey. The task, however, is yet to be completed. The concerted efforts of Somalia’s neighbours and partners should not wane at this phase. Along with the other front-line States, Ethiopia has been at the forefront of supporting Somalia in rebuilding its State institutions and assuming its responsibility in the community of nations. Thanks to the ultimate sacrifices paid by Ethiopia’s finest sons and daughters, alongside our sister troop-contributing countries, we have seen encouraging progress over the years. We look forward to working closely with the Federal Government of Somalia, which we trust will continue to be a committed partner in counter-terrorism efforts. Ethiopia stands ready to continue its role in the post- ATMIS mission. Finally, the work of countering terrorism and stabilizing Somalia is informed by a shared regional policy of interdependence that aims to ensure collective peace and prosperity in the region. Extraregional actors that have no constructive role to play in the region and in fighting terrorism in Somalia should therefore be advised to abandon their reckless pursuit.

The representative of Somalia has asked for the floor to make a further statement. I now give him the floor.

As Council members are aware, owing to documented actions by Ethiopia and Somalia for the past 11 months, the Federal Government of Somalia has undertaken a comprehensive review of its security arrangements as we transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). In that period, our regional partners from three troop-contributing countries have shown remarkable solidarity, pledging to maintain our necessary force of 11,000 AUSSOM troops. That commitment addresses any security vacuum created by Ethiopia, while sustaining progress in the fight against Al-Shabaab in the country. In that context, we emphasize that the current AUSSOM troop allocations are being completed through bilateral agreements that have been in place since November. As Somalia moves forward, we will continue to engage in future security partnerships that serve our national and shared regional interests.