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LONDON: Somalia called for a resolution to the plight of the Palestinian people on Thursday, while saying the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz poses a threat not only to itself but the rest of the region.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud warned that the world faces uncertainty amid escalating political, military and climate crises, calling on the organization to reform and improve to better serve the needs of the world\u2019s most vulnerable.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor millions of vulnerable people, global development can sometimes appear to be moving from one framework to another framework,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTrust in the UN won\u2019t be restored through declarations alone. It will be restored when institutions act constituently, uphold international law and produce results that people can see and experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
On the issue of Palestine, Mohamud was clear: \u201cSomalia stands firmly with the Palestinian people and their legitimate right to self-determination and statehood.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe reaffirm our support for a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution with an independent and viable Palestinian state along the 1967 borders.<\/p>\n
\u201cA just resolution of the Palestinian question remains essential to lasting peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cRespect for international law is becoming increasingly selective. Multilateral cooperation is weakening; conflict, geopolitical rivalry and mistrust are becoming the defining features of our time. Uncertainty, unfortunately, has become the new norm.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mohamud warned that it is not just conflict that poses a threat to humanity, raising climate change as a profound concern of his government and others.<\/p>\n
\u201cHumanitarian needs are rising while the resources available to meet them are rapidly declining.<\/p>\n
\u201cNationalism, intolerance and political polarization are weakening the spirit of international cooperation.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cThe climate crisis continues to destroy lives, livelihoods and public infrastructure, particularly across the developing world.<\/p>\n
\u201cAccording the UN, over 40 percent of the global population are vulnerable to the destructive effects of climate change, and governments in developing countries spend over 10 percent of their GDP (gross domestic product) to respond to this.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis painful fiscal trade off comes at the expense of investment in education and health, which should never be the case.\u201d<\/p>\n
The escalation of the conflict in the Gulf, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have placed great strain on Somalia, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor Somalia, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have serious economic and humanitarian consequences.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs an import-dependent country reliant on the Middle East for much of our food, fuel, trade, Somalia is already facing rising prices, inflation.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cEnsuring free and fair navigation through the strait is therefore essential to protecting vulnerable economies like Somalia, and sustaining stability, advancing development and delivering basic services.\u201d<\/p>\n
As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Mohamud called for reform of a body that has failed with African representation despite the continent\u2019s various conflicts over the years.<\/p>\n
The UNSC \u201cmust become more representative, transparent and effective,\u201d he said. \u201cAfrica remains unrepresented in the permanent category \u2026 This historical injustice against 54 sovereign states can\u2019t be postponed indefinitely.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomalia supports the common African position and meaningful representation in both categories of the council.<\/p>\n
\u201cGiven that many of the discussions directly concern African states, they have the right to full representation on equal par with all other permanent Security Council members.\u201d<\/p>\n
His country, Mohamud said, has played an outsized role in maintaining international security in its fight against organized terrorist groups in East Africa.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomalia continues to confront international terrorism with determination and with the support of our international partners.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re strengthening our national security institutions, improving force generation, developing intelligence capabilities and expanding security cooperation with our neighbors and the rest of the world,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut the fight against terrorism in Somalia mustn\u2019t be understood as Somalia\u2019s responsibility alone.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe stand on the frontline for a struggle that directly effects regional and international security.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe therefore call for predictable, sustainable support for Somalia\u2019s security transition, including adequate financing for an African Union mission in Somalia.\u201d<\/p>\n
He noted that negative effects of international intervention in African states has affected Somalia in particular, saying: \u201cRespect for national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity isn\u2019t an abstract principle for Somalia only.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a foundation for peace and stability in our country, our region and the wider international community.<\/p>\n
\u201cTherefore, Somalia firmly rejects unilateral actions that undermine its sovereign, unity and internationally recognized borders.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mohamud also focused on the need for UN assistance in his country to be better organized and coordinated to allow the government to lead its own development.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe majority of UN assistance continues to be delivered through parallel structures, fragmented projects and off-budget arrangements in Somalia.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis makes it difficult for the government to plan, coordinate resources, measure results and build institutions required for long-term stability.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet us be clear here, Somalia isn\u2019t calling for the UN to withdraw, we\u2019re simply calling for a more accountable, strategic and result-oriented partnership where Somali institutions are in the lead when it comes to implementation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Political progress and reform, he said, are of paramount importance for Somalia\u2019s development.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur people have dreamed of choosing their leaders through their vote. The last democratic election that took place in Somalia was held in 1969. Today, we\u2019re determined to change that history.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough constitutional reform, we\u2019re laying the foundations of universal suffrage, accountable institutions and a multi-party system that allows every Somali citizen to have a voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur aim is to become an effective democracy where differences are resolved through dialogue, law and elections, not violence.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mohamud concluded: \u201cSomalia is proudly playing an active role in global stability, both at home and within the key existing multilateral structures of global governance.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re also rebuilding our economy and (are) unwaveringly committing to democracy and people-centered, people-led, people-owned development.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we march forward with purpose and determination, we invite Africa and the rest of the world to remain our steadfast champions on this journey.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n