/unsomalia /unsomalia UNSOM unsom.unmissions.org ISSUE 17 | QUARTERLY Serving the people DECEMBER 2020 NEWSLETTER of

HIGHLIGHTS

• International partners call for ongo- ing dialogue among Somali leaders • Somalia Partnership Forum takes stock of country’s progress, iden- tifies priorities • UN Special Representative briefs Security Council on the situation in Somalia • Somali government and internation- al partners meet to improve security and rule of law • International partner representatives visit Somalia’s Federal Member States INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS CALL FOR ONGOING • UN Peacebuilding Commission holds DIALOGUE AMONG SOMALI LEADERS first meeting on Somalia since 2015 • As poll preparations begin, Somali journalists undertake training on elections reporting the implementation protocols signed by • Somalia among Horn of Africa In December, Somalia’s the Federal and Federal Member State countries threatened by desert (FMS) leaders on 1 October. Initiating locust upsurge international partners* a parallel process or imposing disputed electoral management committees that do issued a joint statement in not meet the agreed criteria undermines meetings of the leaders will help prevent the legitimacy of the electoral process and which they highlighted how the recurrence of a protracted political creates instability, they added. the recently-concluded impasse. To that end we would urge parties The statement continued as follows: to recall commitments made at the Somalia Somalia Partnership Forum Partnership Forum under the 2021 Mutual “We therefore reiterate our call on the Accountability Framework to a secure Federal and FMS leaders to reconvene had enabled all involved to electoral process based on ongoing dialogue, urgently and to reach out to other and to the establishment of a mechanism openly exchange views on stakeholders to resolve concerns about for dialogue on this process to meet not the management of the electoral process current developments in less than monthly. through consensus-building so that the country. timely, transparent, and credible elections “In the coming weeks, we look forward embraced by the Somali people and all key to working with the Federal Government stakeholders can take place. To that end, and FMSs to advance other key decisions hey added that the Forum allowed all we welcome Prime Minister Mohamed involved to agree on the 2021 Mutual from the Somalia Partnership Forum that T Hussein Roble’s commitment to convene require immediate follow-up. These include Accountability Framework, which sets out the leaders in Mogadishu following his safeguarding the gains from the review key priorities on inclusive politics, security current visits to the Federal Member States. of the Constitution prior to elections, and justice, and social and economic consultations on developing the 2024/25 development. “We stand ready to provide support to the Federal and State electoral committees once elections roadmap, signing the audit bill, However, the partners also stated that they the dialogue to resolve the dispute over finalizing the Somali Transition Plan, remain deeply concerned about the ongoing their composition is successfully concluded. and preparing for the force generation disagreements over the implementation of Transparency and good faith in implementing conference planned for January 2021. the 2020/21 electoral process, and that the electoral process according to the agreed “In the meantime, we call on all stakeholders further discussion and agreement is also rules will also be important. to refrain from any statements or actions needed on how the 30 per cent women’s that could create tensions or incite violence.” quota in committees, amongst delegates, “We also stress that regular meetings of the Federal and FMS leaders throughout and for seats will be assured. *African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Belgium, the electoral process and continuation Denmark, , Ethiopia, European Union, Finland, Germany, The partners said these disagreements need of the Dhusamareb spirit of compromise Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Ireland, to be resolved in a manner that respects Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Organisation of Islamic will help keep the electoral process on Cooperation (OIC), , Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Uganda, the 17 September political agreement and track. “The institutionalization of such United Kingdom, United States, and the .

UNSOM NEWSLETTER 1 SPOTLIGHT

SOMALIA PARTNERSHIP FORUM

TAKES STOCK OF COUNTRY'S PROGRESS, IDENTIFIES PRIORITIES

Referring to the decision not to proceed elections, and highlighted the need for a with ‘one person, one vote’ elections for the practical roadmap with clear benchmarks The Federal Government of current electoral cycle, the Prime Minister that would lead to ‘one person, one vote’ Somalia and its international said that particular model of voting was an elections in the next electoral cycle. aspiration of all Somalis and he pledged The UN envoy pointed to the consensus partners gathered in early early preparations for them in the next that was reached among the Federal cycle, involving dialogue with Federal Government and the Federal Member December in the capital Member States. States, which led to the agreement on the for a one-day, high-level current indirect elections, as evidence of meeting – the Somalia what could be achieved through consensus- With international building and dialogue among leaders. Partnership Forum (SPF) support, Somalia He also spoke of the need for progress – dedicated to taking stock remains committed with the country’s constitutional review process during the current parliamentary of the progress made by the to implementing sitting in order to avoid delays. country in various areas, as key financial and “We believe it is very important that the progress achieved on the non-contentious well as agree on priorities economic reforms. issues be secured prior to the end of this ahead of it. parliament, so that it is not necessary to “The Federal Government of Somalia has already embarked on a process to draft a ike last year, this year’s SPF was held roadmap for universal suffrage elections to in Mogadishu, and the topics covered L take place in 2024/2025. The process will included the country’s elections, the fight require engagement with a range of key against Al-Shabaab and security transition stakeholders including our Federal Member planned for 2021, economic development States, civil society, political parties, to and more. ensure inclusive and credible ’s elections figured prominently in the future,” the Prime Minister said. the remarks of Somalia’s Prime Minister In his remarks to the SPF, delivered via Mohamed H. Roble, who also chaired the video link, the United Nations Secretary- SPF, which drew representatives from the General’s Special Representative for country’s Federal Member States as well Somalia, James Swan, called for dialogue to as international partners. solve Somalia’s challenges with the current

UNSOM NEWSLETTER 2 start over again. This too will require a commitments, such as the continuation of social protection, strengthening the dialogue between federal leadership and the national reconciliation process with the government’s ability to deliver services the Federal Member States. We hope representation of all sections of Somali to the population, addressing the harmful that it can proceed quickly. It will also be society, particularly women. effects of COVID-19 and enhancing important to include women, civil society The international partners also agreed organisations and other groups that have in government legitimacy. to continue supporting the transition the past been excluded. But constitutional involving Somalia taking over lead Furthermore, international partners reform remains a critical priority that we also committed to support Somalia’s would like to see more progress,” the UN responsibility for the country’s security development priorities as outlined in its envoy said. from peacekeeping forces of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), National Development Plan-9. including the reconfiguration of AMISOM in order to better counter Al-Shabaab and With international accelerate the transition. support, Somalia The communiqué noted that the country remains committed had made significant progress on economic development, notably the historic achieve- to implementing ment of reaching ‘Decision Point’ under the key financial and Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative in March this year. It pointed to economic reforms. more effort in this area. “With international support, Somalia remains committed to implementing key Communiqué issued financial and economic reforms, increasing At the end of the SPF, a communiqué transparency and accountability, including was issued which stated that “continued the transfer of funds from the Feder- inclusive dialogue to build on the consensus- al Government to the Member States, based agreement is necessary to ensure seeking membership of the World Trade the timely implementation of credible and Organisation, promoting equitable inclusive acceptable elections in order to preserve economic growth, and seeking enhanced the Somali tradition of a peaceful transfer regional economic integration as a means of power.” to greater prosperity,” it stated. It also stated that Somalia committed International partners agreed to support to approve non-contentious changes Somalia in the development of national to the Provision Constitution before approach on the impact of climate change the end of the current political cycle. In on human security, public policy, prioritizing the communiqué, international partners youth empowerment and employment agreed to support Somalia on this and other generation, building resilience through

UNSOM NEWSLETTER 3 UN SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE BRIEFS SECURITY COUNCIL ON THE SITUATION IN SOMALIA

electoral model, ending a two-year and secure as possible and minimise the risk In November, the UN Secretary- political stalemate between the that Al Shabaab may disrupt or influence Federal Government and Federal the process. Member States. General’s Special Representative In support of these Somali-led efforts, UNSOM for Somalia, James Swan, virtually The agreed model of voting plans to contribute to implementation of the regrettably fell short of the electoral agreement, within the scope of its briefed the UN Security Council’s constitutional requirement for mandate and in collaboration with UNDP, meeting on Somalia. direct universal suffrage election UNSOS and international partners. We will of parliament. Yet, the agreement also continue efforts toward universal suffrage reflected wide Somali political elections in the future. To this end, we urge consensus and ownership. In addition Somali leaders to prepare consensually a Below are his remarks: to the support of the President and Federal roadmap with clear timelines and benchmarks Madam President, Distinguished Members Member State leaders, the indirect model to ensure one-person-one-vote elections take of the Council, was also endorsed by other key Somali place in 2024/25. stakeholders, including political parties and Thank you for the opportunity again to update Madam President, civil society, and was ratified by the Federal you on the situation in Somalia. Parliament. In September, President Mohamed Abdullahi I am especially pleased to speak to you Farmajo appointed Prime Minister Mohamed Going forward, this broad political consensus today along with the Somali Prime Minister, Hussein Robleh, who subsequently named his must now be preserved and indeed deepened His Excellency Mohamed Hussein Roble; Cabinet. The new government has a challenging as the agreement is implemented. The as well as the Founder and Chair of the task before it -- not only to steer the country agreed process must be conducted in a fair, Somali Gender Equity Movement, Ms. Zainab through the electoral process, but also to pursue transparent, broadly accepted and peaceful Hassan; and the Special Representative of the the reform agenda across the political, security manner. And it must be more participatory Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and economic spectrum. The UN in Somalia and inclusive than it was four years ago. We my dear friend and colleague Ambassador stands ready to support the Government in welcome the political leaders’ agreement to Francisco Madeira. advancing these national priorities. ensure the 30 per cent women’s quota for We meet as Somalia faces critical decisions: seats in Parliament and we urge full respect I commend Somali leaders for their spirit an electoral process to choose the parliament for this commitment. of compromise in reaching agreement and president in the coming few months; a between the Federal Government and The electoral schedule foresees selection of security transition so that Somalis can assume Federal Member States. This spirit must members of the two houses of the Federal lead security responsibility by the end of now be sustained. Beyond elections, we also Parliament by the end of December, and 2021; and urgent priorities for humanitarian urge further progress through consensus election of the Federal President by the new response and economic reforms. on other democratic reforms, including Parliament in February 2021. Nominations Madam President, the constitutional review process, and to the electoral management bodies were establishment of the Judicial Services When I last addressed this Council in August, several weeks behind schedule, and they Commission, the Human Rights Commission, the Somali leadership was meeting to agree a remain the subject of some contention. Also and Constitutional Court, as examples. plan for the 2020/21 elections. In September, pending is finalization of the electoral security they reached consensus on an indirect plan, to ensure that the elections are as safe Political dialogue is also key to addressing

UNSOM NEWSLETTER 4 UN, and bilateral security partners. between the Somali Federal Government I welcome the Prime Minster’s and the UN, which will guide UN support for announced plan to convene in early Somali-owned and Somali-led development December the Executive Committee priorities. The Framework aligns with Somalia’s of the Comprehensive Approach to ninth National Development Plan. We urge Security, also known as the Security the Government to remain steadfast in its and Justice Committee. commitment to the reform agenda in order to make progress on the Heavily Indebted I pay tribute to the Somali security Poor Countries Initiative benchmarks to forces and the African Union Mission reach Completion Point. We look forward in Somalia for their steadfast and to the upcoming Somalia Partnership Forum courageous pursuit of peace and announced by the Prime Minister for early other pressing priorities, including operations stability in Somalia. We also welcome the continuing support and commitment from December to take stock of progress since last against Al Shabaab, economic and security many Member States to the development of year and agree on priorities for the future. reforms, and collaboration to tackle the Somalia’s rule of law and security sector. It is multiple humanitarian challenges facing the Madam President, through collective gains in the security realm country. We encourage political actors to that space is created for the political process, In closing, let me assure the Council of institutionalize this dialogue among leaders, governance, and institution-building. UNSOM’s ongoing engagement with Somali such as through the newly formed National stakeholders to promote political cooperation Consultative Forum. Human Rights and Justice remain at the in the interest of the country. Our good offices centre of our work for Somalia’s development. are aimed at fostering the widest levels of To promote such dialogue, I have recently With elections approaching, I underscore my inclusion and consensus possible. begun a series of visits to Federal Member previous calls for the protection of political State capitals, joined by SRCC Madeira and space, for tolerance of divergent opinions, representatives of the European Union and for respect of free speech and association, Human Rights and Intergovernmental Authority on Development. and for media freedom. Justice remain at the I reiterate concerns over the recent increase Political dialogue is also in instances of sexual violence against women centre of our work for and girls, and over the regressive legislation key to addressing other relating to sexual rights and freedoms that Somalia’s development. have entered the parliamentary process in pressing priorities. both Mogadishu and Hargeisa, and which contravene international standards. As the country focuses on the electoral Madam President, process, the UN in Somalia will continue I understand that Prime Minister Roble has to press for participation by historically also started a tour of the regions to engage Humanitarian needs remain acute in underrepresented groups, among them with State leaders to continue dialogue, and Somalia. The country has been had hit by women, youth, and marginalised communities. I welcome this initiative. the triple-shock of COVID-19, flooding and They all have much to contribute to peace, locust infestation. The national trends in stability, and development in their country. Madam President, COVID-19 cases are broadly favourable, but we must remain vigilant. I again commend The coming months will set the course of The security situation in Somalia remains of Somali authorities for their rapid response Somalia for the next several years. At this concern, with persistent attacks by Al Shabab, to COVID-19’s outbreak and thank Somali critical time, I am grateful for the Council’s which remains the primary threat to Somalia’s health workers who are on the frontlines to support as our United Nations team strives security. Continued efforts at protecting the defeat the pandemic. to help Somalia’s leaders and people achieve Somali people and degrading Al Shabab’s their national priorities. capabilities must be the main objective of the I welcome the new five-year Sustainable national security forces, as well as AMISOM, Development Cooperation Framework Thank you. and other security partners – in particular, as we enter the sensitive electoral period. Next year will be a transition year in which Somalia takes lead responsibility on security matters. This requires agreement on a strategic vision for Somalia’s security involving all security stakeholders. The Federal Government has already started this work as it is drafting an updated Somalia Transition Plan. It is crucial that this plan address many long-standing challenges -- including the need for realistic operational objectives, credible plans for force generation, and clear coordination structures. The updated Transition Plan will serve as a baseline for further discussions in the coming months to guide the role of Somali security forces as well as external actors, including AMISOM, the

UNSOM NEWSLETTER 5 SOMALI GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS MEET TO IMPROVE SECURITY AND RULE OF LAW

Established in 2017, the Committee need for strong coordination and support The importance of improv- provides a platform for the Federal among all involved. Government of Somalia (FGS), FMSs and ing security and the rule of international partners to work together “It is important, if we are to achieve gains and further improve security and justice. It in security, that we take a comprehensive law for the long-term future serves as a strategic decision-making body approach and collective action. of Somalia was the focus designed to coordinate progress on various Comprehensive in the sense that it is not strands of activity in security and justice just military, but it's police, it’s rule law and of a high-level meeting in as outlined in the Mutual Accountability justice, it's stabilization – both short-term Framework (MAF), which was agreed at the and longer-term – and it is preventing early December. Somali Partnership Forum in October 2019. and countering violent extremism and, overtime, it is about state-building as well,” The MAF details the joint commitments of Mr. Swan said. he event brought together top Somalia and its international partners in the T officials from the country’s Federal areas of political reforms, security reforms, “Achievement requires collective action,” he Government and Federal Member States economic development and recovery and added. “Collective action means agreeing, (FMSs), the United Nations, the African humanitarian assistance, as the country together, on the objectives. Collective Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and rebuilds after decades of armed conflict action means planning together how we and climate-related shocks. other international partners. are going to achieve those objectives. And “Effective governance of the security A year of transition collective action means working together to implement what we have identified as sector is not only crucial for stability, but It is anticipated that 2021 will be a year of also for the long-term consolidation of change for Somalia’s security, with a tran- objectives and plan to accomplish. So it democratization and sustainable economic sition away from AMISOM to the Somali really does require that we continue to and social development. This is the goal of government and security authorities taking operate alongside one another.” the Federal Government of Somalia. This lead responsibility for the country’s security. is the aspiration of the Somali people,” The UN envoy also called for observance said Somalia’s Prime Minister Mohamed In his remarks to the event, delivered via of accountability in the delivery of support H. Roble, at a meeting of the Security and video-conference, the UN Secretary- by all the parties involved in Somalia’s Justice Committee, which he chaired, in General’s Special Representative for security and justice sectors, in line with the capital, Mogadishu. Somalia, James Swan, highlighted the commitments made under the MAF.

UNSOM NEWSLETTER 6 INTERNATIONAL PARTNER REPRESENTATIVES VISIT SOMALIA’S FEDERAL MEMBER STATES

The last few months of 2020 saw representatives Recognition and welcoming buy-in to deliver the STP across the security, from some of Somalia’s rule of law, development and governance A communique issued by the Security and Justice Committee after the gathering sectors,” the communique continued. main partners continue covered a range of topics, including The Committee said that stakeholders visiting Federal Member participants’ recognition of the efforts and stressed the need for FGS and FMS coor- sacrifices made by Somalia’s security forces States (FMSs) for meetings dination, and emphasis on force generation and AMISOM peacekeepers in their fight and organization, particularly for military, against Al-Shabaab, and their welcoming with their leaders. of progress made in securing locations in federal police and state police services. the Lower Shabelle region. The Committee also welcomed greater FGS In addition, the participants also called and FMS cooperation and international he visiting delegations were for greater joint, inclusive, and integrated partner coordination to effectively train, T made up of top officials from the planning for subsequent operations organize, and equip the Somali security African Union, the European Union, between rule of law, stabilisation and forces, and noted the urgent need to agree a the Intergovernmental Authority on security stakeholders. politically-inclusive model for the generation Development and the United Nations. On the security transition in 2021, the of hold forces required to allow transition. They visited South West State, Committee welcomed progress made In this regard, it was agreed that a Force Galmudug and Puntland in person to date on Somalia’s ongoing revision Generation Conference would be held for meetings with Presidents Abdiaziz of the Somali Transition Plan (STP), a by the end of January 2021 to consider Hassan Mohamed ‘Laftagareen,’ Ahmed guiding strategic document for transferring military, federal police and state police Abdi Kariye and Said Abdullahi Deni, security responsibilities from AMISOM to services and resources required, includ- respectively, and held an e-meeting the Somali security forces. with the leader of Jubaland, President ing agreed approaches to developing Ahmed Mohamed Islam ‘Madobe.’ “International partners noted the counter-improvised explosive devices and importance of political commitment and logistics capabilities. In addition to addressing topics specific coordination by FGS and FMS leaders, as to each FMS in its remarks to the The Committee plans to meet on a quarterly called for in Somalia’s National Security media after the in-person meetings, Architecture, to ensure political will and basis, with the next meeting in March 2021. the delegation also emphasized the need for Somali leaders to remain in dialogue with one another, as well as continue in the spirit of consensus which has recently seen progress on preparation for national elections. The delegation noted that the interna- tional partners had been encouraged by the revitalization of dialogue be- tween the Federal Government and the FMSs in recent months. Somali’s federal and FMS leaders began a series of meetings in Dhusamareb, Galmudug's capital, in July and August, which led to consultative meetings in Mogadishu in September and October and at which agreements on the na- tional electoral model were reached.

UNSOM NEWSLETTER 7 UN PEACEBUILDING COMMISSION HOLDS FIRST MEETING ON SOMALIA SINCE 2015

We have learned the hard way of being such as the UN Peacebuilding Commission. engulfed in conflict and trying quick-fix In addition to Somalia’s Prime Minister, For the first time since solutions to restoring peace. We will strive other keynote speakers included the coun- 2015, the United Nations to safeguard inclusive solutions that are Somali-owned and grounded on local try’s Minister of Women and Human Rights Peacebuilding Commission context and environment,” he added. Development, Hanifa Mohamed Ibrahim, and, from Somali civil society, the founder met in early December to “Nevertheless,” the Prime Minister of Maandeeq Mental Health, Rowda A. continued, “we need to benefit and Olad. From the world body’s side, the discuss Somalia and explore learn from successful processes of other keynote speakers included the UN Assis- how the international countries that have effectively restored tant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding law and order and trust between their Support, Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, and the community can support communities as well as rebuilt their citizens’ UN Secretary-General’s Special Represen- its peacebuilding priorities confidence in state institutions.” tative for Somalia, James Swan. The UN Peacebuilding Commission is an In his remarks at the opening of the and jointly find solutions to intergovernmental advisory body that e-meeting, the top UN official for Somalia supports peace efforts in conflict-affected emphasized the importance of engagement. some of the challenges to countries. It is composed of 31 members, peace it faces. elected from the UN General Assembly, UN “I encourage sustained flexible engagement Security Council and the UN Economic and between Somalia and the Peacebuilding Social Council, as well as the UN system’s Commission, I also encourage the his meeting is part of Somalia top financial-contributing countries and the Commission to reconvene regularly – if “T coming back to the international top troop-contributing countries. its members so choose – perhaps next year, arena and fostering relationships with the The discussion was led by the Commission’s to take stock of the situation following the international community – Somalia has Chairperson, Ambassador Bob Rae, electoral process, assess progress that’s achieved a lot in the past 10 years and who also serves as Canada’s Permanent been made and look at what remains to made a lot of recovery and reform,” the Representative to the United Nations in be done,” Mr. Swan said. virtual meeting’s opening speaker, Somalia’s New York. Prime Minister Mohamed H. Roble, told “The Peacebuilding Commission can help keep us all focused on key cross-cutting the Commission. In his remarks, Prime Minister Roble said Somalia’s peacebuilding priorities could themes in Somalia, it can help us mobilize “Peacebuilding cannot be imported, be placed in three categories: state- resources for peacebuilding and it can but can be brought about through the building, reconciliation, and economic support partnerships between Somalia sustenance and reform of indigenous reconstruction and recovery; and he and other countries that have experiences wisdoms while learning and adopting reiterated Somali’s commitment to to share – building and sustaining peace is good practices from other experiences. collaborating with multilateral bodies a collective effort,” the UN envoy added.

UNSOM NEWSLETTER 8 role in defining a peaceful visiting several of the country’s Federal future society. Member States to advocate and campaign for the 30 per cent quote for women as had The WPS agenda stems from been agreed upon in an electoral agreement the Security Council’s historic by the country’s leaders. adoption of resolution 1325, which was the first Council “Women in Somalia have the right to be resolution to link women part of the political process. With women to the peace and security taking part in the Somali leadership, we agenda, looking at the impact can rebuild peace and security in Somalia,” of war on women and their she said. contribution to conflict resolution and sustainable “As Somalia continues to make progress peace. It challenges the towards peacebuilding, with national focus on interstate conflict reconciliation as one the top priorities of at the expense of measures the Government, we are fully aware that to protect women with the Women, Peace and Security agenda decades of research and needs to remain a priority,” the Minister practice demonstrating the added. “The path to peace and stability in Somalia has been difficult. However, Somali Three aims close links between gender equality, conflict prevention, and peace. women have are important in peacebuilding The e-meeting had three aims. The first and in conflict prevention in Somalia. was centred on building understanding The third aim was to share Somalia’s Somali Women are active peacemakers, on the country’s peacebuilding priorities, experience achieving the so-called ‘decision mediators and negotiators.” including those related to peacebuilding point’ for debt relief under the Highly and sustainable development agenda as Indebted Poor Countries’ Initiative (HIPC) laid out in its Ninth National Development and explore ideas for collaboration with Plan in 2019 and its eligibility request for international financial institutions on Human Rights and peacebuilding. the UN Peacebuilding Fund. Justice remain at the The Fund is the world body’s financial Achieving ‘decision point’ in March this instrument of first resort to sustain peace year was an historic milestone on Somalia’s centre of our work for in countries at risk or affected by conflict. path to peace and prosperity. It confirmed Somalia’s development. In Somalia, it first began supporting the the country’s eligibility for debt relief and consolidation of peacebuilding gains in also fully normalized its relations with 2009. Since then, it has invested $56 million international financial institutions. It also in Somalia and has contributed in areas meant Somalia qualified for certain types The Somali official also noted that the of grant financing to meet its public finance such as helping extend state authority and newly-developed NRF provided an and development needs and to access promoting of the rule of law. In July this opportunity to address the drivers of private-sector financing instruments. year, the UN Secretary-General approved inequality and promote peace through a new five-year eligibility period for the Role of women strengthening the role of women. Fund in Somalia. In his remarks to the meeting, the UN “Through this NRF, the advancement envoy for Somalia highlighted the need of human rights and the Women, Peace The NRF provides a for dialogue and compromise as the and Security agenda, I am confident country prepares for national elections. that positive change for lasting peace is blueprint for a new He also noted that despite impressive possible,” she said. participatory and progress in addressing security threats, Addressing the meeting, Ms. Olad pointed establishing the foundations for democracy out that structural violence that Somali inclusive approach and rebuilding national institutions, many women regularly deal with, including both to reconciliation. significant challenges remain and need to discursive and physical, with the former be faced head on. including patterns as behavior accepted as Mr. Swan flagged the important role the UN normal but nonetheless harmful in terms of the way women are talked about and The second aim was to explore opportunities Peacebuilding Fund had played in various referred to in Somali society and their to support the implementation of Somalia’s areas of Somalia’s development, as well political participation. National Reconciliation Framework (NRF) in relation to it committing at least 50 per – which the Prime Minister described as cent of its resources in Somalia over the “Somali women are the breadwinners of “context and gender sensitive” – and the next five years to the implementation of most families. Somali women are natural- the WPS agenda. vital role of women in peacebuilding in born mediators transcending the divisions Somalia, within the framework of the “Without women’s political participation in Somali society,” Ms. Olad said. “Our Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. there can be no sustained peace and potential is limitless and our intentions development,” he said, quoting the Somali are peaceful. And we demand our space The NRF provides a blueprint for a new Women’s Charter. and we deserve more support.” participatory and inclusive approach to reconciliation in Somalia, involving women The issue of the WPS agenda in Somalia was The full video recording of the UN in leadership and decision-making roles in featured in the remarks of Minister Ibrahim, Peacebuilding Commission meeting on peacebuilding and political processes, as who told the Commission meeting that, Somalia can be found here: well as having Somali youth play an active ahead of Somalia’s elections, she had been http://bit.ly/3g2HfbU

UNSOM NEWSLETTER 9 AS POLL PREPARATIONS BEGIN, SOMALI JOURNALISTS UNDERTAKE TRAINING ON ELECTIONS REPORTING

to thank you and encourage you for the the training will also include covering opportunity you give Somali journalists. elections in volatile security situations. Ahead of Somalia’s The country is at a critical juncture. There Various international media associations elections, the importance are many journalists who have lost their have spoken out about the challenges lives carrying out their work, and I am one of members of the media face in going about of the media’s role in those who believe that Somalia would not their work in Somalia, including in their the upcoming electoral have had a government after the civil war dealings with authorities and targeting by without a free media," Somalia’s Deputy Al-Shabaab terrorists. process was centre-stage Minister of Information, Abdirahman Yusuf Important role to play as a group of journalists Al-Adala, said in his remarks at the opening. Supported by the UN Assistance Mission The United Nations in Somalia has previously gathered in early November in Somalia (UNSOM), and organized by highlighted the role the media play in Somali the Federation of Somalia Journalists society, and how they need to be able to for an intensive, United (FESOJ), the three-day training brought carry out their work free from violence, Nations-backed training together more than two dozen journalists harassment, detention, persecution, from various Somali media outlets with a intimidation and censorship, especially as on strengthening their presence in the capital and working across the country prepares for elections. reporting on elections and various platforms, including television, In his remarks at the opening today, UNSOM’s radio and online channels. Chief of Strategic Communications, Ari voter education. The journalists are receiving training in Gaitanis, spoke about the Somali media’s areas ranging from the need for neutrality important role. lection periods are serious and to the uses of opinion polls. The aim is to “Quite simply: a democratic society must “E historic moments and it is important enhance the journalists’ skills, allowing allow different viewpoints on political for journalists to learn how to report on them to better report on the country’s issues, on elections, and on a range of impending elections and, consequently, them. I think two scenarios can be the issues, to be expressed freely and openly, improve the general public’s understanding most interesting and sensitive to learn and the media has a key role to play here of the electoral process. In addition to about – the first one is when reporting in all of these areas, including coverage of practical skills, there will be a specific focus amid conflict, especially in areas affected elections,” Mr. Gaitanis said. by conflict; and the second is at the polling on the theoretical aspects and stations, which are also sensitive locations approaches to covering elections. when it comes to reporting on how things “After this training, reporters will are going,” said the Office of the President apply the knowledge they have of Somalia’s Director of Communications, gained in their daily activities. This Abdirashid Mohamed Hashi, at the start of training is important for Somali the capacity development sessions held at journalists, as the country is once a venue in the capital, Mogadishu. again going to indirect polls and people need to understand more “Thank you for bringing here veteran about the elections,” said FESOJ’s journalists who have been in the media President Abaadir Abdulkadir Elmi. for 40 or 50 years and more, and new journalists, to exchange their views openly. Asides from the substantive The Ministry of Information would like elements of reporting on elections,

UNSOM NEWSLETTER 10 “Democracy is more than the holding of elections; it also means ensuring a country’s political space allows for everyone to take part and, as I stress, the media has a key role to play in this,” he added. “Fact-based news and analysis depend on the work of journalists conducting independent reporting, rooted in the fundamental tenet: ‘journalism without fear or favour.’” SOMALIA AMONG HORN OF AFRICA COUNTRIES At the event’s opening, attendees THREATENED BY DESERT LOCUST UPSURGE voiced their eagerness to start with the training. "I think good reporting is significant, simply because people need to hear extensive breeding in eastern Ethiopia and different opinions, such as the opinions Somalia. This was worsened by Cyclone of leaders running for office and their In mid-December, the UN Gati which brought flooding to northern platforms, as well as the outcome Food and Agriculture Or- Somalia in November, allowing locust of the elections,” said Hassan Ali infestations to increase further in the Osman, a journalist with Kalfadhi, an ganization warned that a coming months. independent news platform covering parliamentary and governance issues. new generation of Desert New swarms "It’s my first time attending this kind Locust swarms is threaten- New locust swarms are already forming of training, and I’m optimistic about ing agricultural and pastoral and threatening to re-invade northern gaining a lot from the facilitators Kenya and breeding is also underway on providing the teaching. Media outlets livelihoods and the food se- both sides of the Red Sea. provide information to the public and curity of millions of people FAO is assisting governments and other if the election isn’t reported well, partners with surveillance and coordination, then the public will not understand in the Horn of Africa despite technical advice and the procurement of what’s happening. But if the election supplies and equipment but operations is covered fairly and professionally, the intense efforts to control must be further scaled up to safeguard public will have a chance to know of food production and prevent worsening the elections’ integrity,” said Fardowsa the pest throughout 2020. food insecurity in the affected countries. Mohamed Sahal, a journalist with Galmudug Television. ith international support and an Donors and partners have so far provided W unprecedented large-scale response nearly $200 million to finance control campaign coordinated by FAO, more than efforts, allowing FAO and governments to 1.3 million hectares of locust infestations rapidly scale up locust response capacity have been treated in ten countries since in a region that has not faced an upsurge January – including Somalia. of the pest on this scale in generations. Control operations have prevented the More than 1,500 ground survey and control loss of an estimated 2.7 million tonnes personnel have been trained and 110 of cereal, worth nearly $800 million, in vehicle mounted ground sprayers and 20 countries already hard hit by acute food aircraft are now in action. insecurity and poverty. That is enough to FAO is now seeking a further $40 million to feed 18 million people a year. increase surveillance and control activities However, favourable weather conditions in the most affected countries – which and widespread seasonal rains have caused include Somalia – in 2021.

Contact: UNSOM Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Group (SCPAG) | [email protected]

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