\n<\/p>\n
\u201cTo capitalise on this opportunity, federal and state authorities must collaborate closely to achieve progress <\/strong>on the new government\u2019s goals, including improving governance and justice, effectively countering Al-Shabaab, and responding urgently to the worsening humanitarian crisis,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Somalia\u2019s electoral process concluded on 15 May after Parliament voted in Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as President. \u00a0The Prime Minister and Cabinet were endorsed in June and August, respectively.<\/p>\n Mr. Swan said the new government moved swiftly to outline a four-year work programme that covers goals and activities across six pillars: security, justice, reconciliation, economic development, social development and foreign relations.<\/p>\n However, he pointed to areas that still need to be addressed.<\/p>\n \u201cUnfortunately, women remain under-represented in cabinet positions and parliamentary committees<\/strong>. Just 13 per cent of cabinet members are women, and 21 per cent of parliamentary committee members,\u201d he reported.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI call again for Somali leaders to take further measures to ensure women\u2019s meaningful participation across institutions of government<\/strong>, as well as the inclusion of youth and historically marginalised groups.\u201d<\/p>\n Mr. Swan said the new administration has identified security as its top national priority, which \u201ccomes at a time when Al-Shabaab has demonstrated increased boldness<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n The insurgents have recently carried out targeted assassinations, complex attacks, and large-scale military actions along the border with Ethiopia, which he condemned.<\/p>\n The Special Envoy commended the Security Forces and their counterparts from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) \u201cwho at great cost in lives continue to fight to defend the population against Al-Shabaab.\u201d<\/p>\nWhere are the women?<\/h2>\n
Insecurity a priority<\/h2>\n