The resolution on extending the operation of the UNSOM was assessed by the international community as correct and timely. This resolution was adopted by a vote of 14 in favour of the total 14 members of the United Nations Security Council.
The adoption of the resolution came after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, called on the international community to assist the victims of the deadly twin bombings, that took place last weekend in the capital Mogadishu, killing at least 120 people and injuring nearly 300 others. In this resolution, the UN Security Council stated that it will continue to consider the situation in Somalia and is ready to consider the provisions of the resolution depending on political developments in the East African country.
UNSOM was established by the UN Security Council on June 3, 2013, with the mandate to assist the Federal Government of Somali and the African Union Mission to Somali (AMISOM), in formulating strategic policies in a range of areas such as governance, security reform, federal system development, and others. In addition, UNSOM also helps coordinate international funding and build capacity for the Federal Government of Somalia.
The deadly twin car bombing outside of Somalia’s Ministry of Education headquarters, on October 29, is a painful example of the unstable security situation in the East African country. A planted car bomb exploded in a heavy traffic area in the capital Mogadishu, which also concentrates the offices of many key government agencies. The second car exploded as many people were gathering to help the victims of the first explosion. The Al-Shabaab, an Islamist group linked to the international terrorist network Al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the above bloody bombing.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called on the international community to send doctors to Somalia to help hospitals treat the wounded, and warned that the death toll would rise as hospitals lack equipment and are overloaded. He also called on the Somali people to unite against terrorism and show solidarity to help the victims.
A week earlier, Al-Shabaab militants attacked the Tawakal hotel, in the central port city of Kismayu, in southern Somalia, killing nine people and injuring 47, including many students who were leaving a nearby school at the time of the attack. Before the attack, the Al-Shabaab group also recklessly attacked a military base 160km northeast of Mogadishu, which is the garrison of AMISOM forces, leaving many dead and wounded.
The Al-Shabaab group justified the recent bloody attacks as pursuing its ambitions to overthrow the Somali government, to establish its own rule under the strict provisions of Islamic Sharia law. However, the increasingly dangerous armed activities of this rebel group have further united the international community with the government and people of the East African country.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemns the heinous attacks and reaffirms the United Nations’ solidarity with Somalia against violent extremism, while UNSOM is also committed to standing with Somalia against terrorism.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Washington remains committed to assisting Somalia in its fight against acts of terrorism. European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, also stressed that the EU pledges to stand alongside the Somali people and those who carried out cowardly attacks must be held accountable.
Violence has never been the path to security and stability. The international community calls on the Al-Shabaab group and other forces to stop their extremist actions and progress towards restoring peace and tranquillity to the Somali people.
