Statement delivered by His Excellency Dr. Michael Imran Kanu, Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations at the Security Council: “Explanation of vote after the vote on draft resolution; adoption of UNSOM transition to UNTMIS”

Madam President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of A3 Plus members, namely: Algeria, Guyana, Mozambique and my own country Sierra Leone. 

The A3 plus thanks the United Kingdom, for its constructive engagement, and extensive consultations during the negotiation process on the draft resolution authorizing the transition of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) to the United Nations Country Team (UNCT).

The A3+ recalls that the request from the Federal Government of Somalia was for a phased transition of United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia to the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) for a period of two years, in collaboration with involved partners, in order to provide assistance to Somalia to consolidate the progress and gains made in the state building process.

We are confident that UNTMIS will work in close coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia and the ATMIS successor mission (AUSSOM) in its stabilization efforts and its offensive against Al-Shaabab respectively.

The A3 Plus therefore voted in favour of the resolution just adopted/resolution 2753 with a view to advance the effective implementation of the Federal Government of Somalia’s security sector plan, as well as its national transformation plan which are both critical for the security of Somalia and the wider region.  

The adoption of this resolution reflects, in a concrete manner, our collective acknowledgment of the progress registered by the Federal Government of Somalia in many respects, with important UN support over a period of many years. 

Such support from the UN has reached the point to be adapted to the realities and the needs on the ground in the final objective of handing over the responsibilities to the host country, in line with principles and regulations guiding UN’s presence, deployment and withdrawal.   

Before getting to the end state, it is necessary to ensure the effective implementation of the resolution to enable UNTMIS to support state-building processes, including the constitutional review and efforts to conduct free and fair elections, through inclusive and transparent one-person, one-vote processes, including through capacity building, technical assistance and policy guidance, and facilitation of dialogue to promote reconciliation.

In conclusion, Madam. President, the A3 plus reiterates it unwavering support for Somalia and urges all partners to continue their collaborative efforts to support the country during this pivotal period. We also emphasize the importance of continuing to prioritize the interests of the Somali Government in this transition process. Together, we can help Somalia achieve lasting peace, security and development.

I thank you.