I join others in thanking the briefers for their insightful overviews, and I would also like to welcome the Foreign Minister of Somalia to today’s discussion.
As pointed out by the previous speakers, today’s meeting is taking place simultaneously with the Summit between the Somali leaders to agree on the elections. Estonia welcomes the resumption of talks, and supports the role of Prime Minister Roble leading on the issue. Allow me to emphasize that dialogue, compromise and consensus are the key to overcoming the stalemate. Estonia will be following the Summit closely, and with great hopes for a successful outcome.
It is regrettable how the on-going political crisis is diverting attention and resources away from Somalia’s development, humanitarian, rule of law, and security priorities – areas where progress is desperately needed. Moreover, the longer the stalemate lasts, the higher the risk that it could reverse the gains Somalia achieved over the past decade. Therefore, Estonia urges the leaders of Somalia to finally reach a solution based on the 17 September Electoral Agreement, and move forward with holding credible, inclusive and consensus-based elections without further delays.
In the upcoming elections, Estonia urges Somali authorities to implement the 30% female quota and ensure that marginalized groups, including youth, are included. Additionally, Estonia underlines the need to put in place measures and institutions to protect human rights. I reiterate the call to establish the Independent National Human Rights Commission, which has a key role to play in promoting and protecting human rights. The high level of conflict-related sexual violence remains very concerning. It is crucial to hold the perpetrators of sexual violence accountable. Therefore, I urge the Federal Government to take steps to protect women and girls from sexual and gender-based violence by enacting the 2018 Sexual Offence Bill. Estonia also calls for the implementation of conclusions of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict on Somalia.
We are very concerned about the deteriorating security situation, and strongly condemn the violence that has taken place in Somalia. The recent spike in Al-Shabaab’s activity is a stark reminder of how much there is to lose, if the political stalemate is not urgently resolved. It was also alarming to see election-related violence in April. The latest developments have highlighted the need to make progress on the security front. Resolution 2568 sets out concrete steps with clear timelines how to achieve that. The continuation of a post-2021 mission is critical, yet it is crucial that the future mission will learn lessons from AMISOM, and take into account the changing conditions on the ground. Estonia, as a member of the European Union, is proud of the organization’s contribution to AMISOM and Somalia’s security over decades. We call on all on stakeholders to come together and play their part to support a successful security transition. Estonia welcomes the recent revision of the Somalia Transition Plan. However, as with any plan, its worth is dependent on its actual implementation. In this connection, Estonia calls on the Federal Government to redouble its efforts for the implementation of the Plan.
Finally, Estonia is deeply concerned about the dire humanitarian situation, and that the Humanitarian Response Plan is currently only 19 per cent funded. Without urgent assistance, millions of people will be suspended from receiving critical humanitarian aid. Estonia calls on international community to provide the necessary funding to save lives in Somalia.
To conclude, this is the moment for Somali leaders to rise to the challenge, and break the political stalemate, so that the leaders’ full and undivided attention can go to helping the Somali people. Allow me to reiterate Estonia’s full support for the country and its people.
Thank you!
