NEW YORK — Ambassador Đặng Đình Quý, Permanent Representative of Việt Nam to the UN, strongly condemned the Al-Shabaab’s violence and attacks against civilians in Somalia and called on the Somalian Government to make efforts and take measures to ensure security of its civilians.
Addressing a UN Security Council (UNSC) face-to-face meeting on Tuesday on the situation in Somalia, the Vietnamese ambassador reiterated Việt Nam's support for Somalia in its efforts towards peace, stability, and development.
The diplomat stressed that the pursuit of peace, stability and development in Somalia should be carried out in accordance with a Somalia-led political process on the basis of the Agreement of September 17, 2020.
He also voiced concern over armed clashes in the capital city of Mogadishu, saying that armed conflicts and political divisions are the main cause of instability in Somalia.
Regarding the socio-economic situation in the African nation, Ambassador Quý shared Somalia's difficulties regarding the serious water shortage in many areas, saying that natural disasters are a long-term threat and challenge for the country.
He recommended the UN, as well as regional and international organisations, boost aid for the country via humanitarian programmes and economic development projects.
Rapporteurs at the meeting included Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and head of the UNSOM James Swan, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia and head of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Francisco Caetano José Madeira. Somali Foreign Minister Mohamed Abdirizak Mohamud Abubakar also delivered remarks.
Representatives from UNSC member nations expressed support for the upcoming elections in Somalia and highly valued efforts made by Somalian Prime Minister Muhammed Hussein Roble in promoting dialogue to resolve political differences towards an agreement on a time and roadmap for elections.
They also shared difficulties facing Somalia, especially the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.
Participants expressed support for the role and activities of UNSOM, AMISOM and regional organisations in supporting the Somali Government.
The UNSOM was set up in 2013 with a view to assisting the peace and reconciliation process and the capacity building for the Somali Government. Since then, the UN Security Council has maintained meetings every three months to listen to reports on the mission’s activities. — VNS