Somalia

Your Excellency, Philemon Yang, President of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Distinguished Representatives, Ladies and Gentlemen, As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. Allow me to begin by congratulating you, Mr. President, on your election as President of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Please be assured of Somalia’s full cooperation as you undertake the responsibilities entrusted upon you during your tenure. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank your predecessor, H.E. Dennis Francis, for the successful presidency of the last session. Mr. President, This Session of the General Assembly convenes amid a rising number of global challenges — from escalating transnational conflicts and humanitarian crises to the existential threats of climate change and growing economic inequalities. Yet, with each of these challenges comes an opportunity for transformation, an opportunity that can only be realized through closer cooperation, collective resolve, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of humanity and multilateralism. This resonates profoundly with our theme this year, “leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations”. Mr. President, In the spirit of unity and shared responsibility, we must confront the persistent and escalating conflicts that continue to cause immense human suffering and destabilize entire regions. Today, we are faced with crises that test our collective conscience and our commitment to peace. In Sudan, the conflict has escalated into a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing millions, and ravaging communities. Civilians endure indiscriminate violence and widespread gender-based assaults. Food insecurity is dire, with millions facing famine due to disrupted supply chains and limited access to aid. The situation is worsened by political fragmentation and failing governance, leaving many without essential services or support. We urgently call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians, and adherence to international humanitarian law. It's crucial to ensure safe, unrestricted access for humanitarian aid and to foster inclusive dialogue that respects the rights and aspirations of all Sudanese people. In Gaza, the situation has reached catastrophic levels, driven by the persistent blockade and relentless cycles of violence that have created one of the most severe humanitarian disasters of our time. Despite the senseless killing of tens of thousands of men, women and children since last October, over two million Palestinians are trapped in an open-air prison, where access to basic goods, services, and medical care is severely restricted. The blockade has systematically crippled Gaza’s economy, pushing the majority of its population into abject poverty and leaving them reliant on scarce humanitarian aid for survival. Children in Gaza have particularly suffered the most, with many enduring unimaginable trauma, malnutrition, and a lack of access to education and healthcare. They live under constant fear, as their homes, schools, and hospitals are repeatedly targeted and destroyed. The ongoing conflict has not only destroyed the physical infrastructure of Gaza but has also crushed the hopes of an entire generation. The world cannot continue to turn a blind eye to this gross injustice and the continuous violations of international law by the Israeli government. We call on the international community to take immediate and decisive action — to enforce an unconditional ceasefire, to lift the inhumane blockade, and to recommit to a political process that ensures a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, thereby restoring the rights, dignity, and future of the Palestinian people. In Ukraine, the war, now in its third year, has inflicted a devastating toll on civilians, destroying homes and critical infrastructure and leaving millions without essential services. The legacy of trauma and displacement will affect generations. We urgently call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, a ceasefire, and adherence to international humanitarian and human rights law, including avoiding attacks on civilians, critical infrastructure, and nuclear facilities. It is essential to open channels for dialogue and achieve a lasting political settlement. The international community must act swiftly to prevent further escalation and support efforts for peace. Mr. President, While international crises demand our attention, we must not overlook regional threats that directly challenge national sovereignty and stability. Somalia currently faces a serious threat from Ethiopia’s recent actions, which flagrantly violate our territorial integrity. Ethiopia’s attempts to annex parts of Somalia under the guise of securing sea access are both unlawful and unnecessary. Somali ports have always been accessible for Ethiopia’s legitimate commercial activities, reflecting our commitment to regional trade and cooperation. However, Ethiopia's aggressive maneuvers, including its illegal MOU with a separatist group in Northern Somalia, undermine Somalia’s sovereignty and embolden secessionist movements, threatening our national unity. These actions not only sow division at a time when Somalia is striving for peace and cohesion but also serve as propaganda for terrorist groups like Al- Shabaab, who exploit Ethiopia’s provocations to recruit and radicalize vulnerable individuals. Such destabilizing behavior poses a significant risk to the security and stability of the entire Horn of Africa. Somalia asserts its sovereign right to defend its territorial integrity and calls on Ethiopia to cease its provocations and adhere to international law. We urge the international community to stand with Somalia in condemning these violations and upholding the principles of national sovereignty and territorial integrity, which are the cornerstones of international peace and security. Regional stability depends on mutual respect for these principles, and Ethiopia must be held accountable for actions that threaten to destabilize the Horn of Africa. Mr. President, While conflicts may capture the headlines, we must not lose sight of other pressing global challenges that demand our immediate attention and collective action. Somalia’s experience underscores the importance of sustainable funding for peacekeeping. For over 15 years, we have hosted key African Union missions like AMISOM and ATMIS, which have been critical in countering AlShabaab and supporting state-building. As the 2025 security arrangement is discussed in the Council, and AUSSOM is expected to take over with a focus on counterterrorism and capacity-building, its success depends on reliable funding. Peacekeeping is about creating lasting stability, not just maintaining peace, and we urge the international community to support innovative funding solutions to ensure these missions fulfil their vital roles. Mr. President, Climate change is a global crisis that touches every life and every community, but nowhere is its impact more deeply felt than in vulnerable nations like Somalia. We endure relentless droughts, devastating floods, and rising temperatures that tear apart our communities and threaten our very survival. While the recent COP28 conference made important strides with the creation of a Loss and Damage Fund and commitments to expand renewable energy, there remains a significant challenge: accessing these funds. For many developing countries, the reality is that the complex bureaucracy, rigid criteria, and lack of necessary resources often stand in the way of receiving the help they so desperately need. It’s not just about making promises; it’s about ensuring that those promises can reach the people who need them most. We call on the global community to simplify access to these critical funds, so that countries like Somalia can build resilience, protect our people, and secure a future where everyone has the chance to thrive. The stakes are too high, and the time for action is now. Mr. President, Reforming the United Nations Security Council is essential to ensure it reflects today’s geopolitical realities. The current structure no longer adequately represents the voices and concerns of the world’s nations, particularly those in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. We support the Ezulwini Consensus, which calls for a more representative and inclusive Council. This reform is necessary to enhance the UN’s credibility and effectiveness in addressing the full spectrum of global challenges, from peace and security to development and human rights. Reforming International Financial Institutions is also crucial to building a fairer global economy that promotes inclusive growth and sustainable development. The existing international financial system is heavily skewed in favor of a few, perpetuating inequalities and restricting the ability of developing nations to thrive. We call for reforms that make these institutions more accountable, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the world's poorest and most vulnerable. Only through such reforms can we create a truly inclusive and equitable global financial system that enables all nations to share in the benefits of growth and development. Mr. President, Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is not just an ambition — it is a necessity. With only six years left, the world is far behind on our collective promise to end poverty, protect our planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030. We must urgently renew our commitment by increasing funding, creating innovative partnerships, and focusing on reaching the most vulnerable. This will require political will and sustained investment from every sector of society. The recently concluded Summit of the Future has opened the door to new opportunities and untapped possibilities through the adoption of the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations. These ground-breaking outcomes lay the foundation for a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order, ensuring that all peoples and nations can share in the benefits of a more inclusive and forward-looking international system. Together, these agreements chart a path toward cooperation that is responsive to the challenges of today and the needs of future generations. Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen Somalia has come a long way on its journey toward stability and development. This past year has been particularly significant, marked by critical milestones that signal Somalia's rising trajectory. We have successfully completed the debt relief process, allowing us to reclaim our economic sovereignty and reintegrate into the global financial system. Additionally, Somalia's accession to the East African Community marks a new era of regional integration, trade, and cooperation. We have also made a historic stride in lifting the long- standing arms embargo, a step that will further enable us to safeguard our sovereignty and security. Security is fundamental to development, and Somalia has prioritized the fight against terrorism with remarkable success. In the past two years, our national security forces, alongside the courageous efforts of our people, have reclaimed more than two-thirds of the territory that was once under the control of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group, significantly diminishing their operational capabilities. Through targeted financial disruptions and a robust counter- narrative campaign, we have also weakened their ideological grip and undermined their sources of support. Mr. President, With marked progress in governance, democratization and political stability, Somalia stands on the brink of significant economic growth, with vast untapped resources and a strategic location along major maritime trade routes. Our arable land offers great potential for agricultural production, and our livestock sector is already among the strongest globally. We also have one of Africa's highest potentials for renewable energy, particularly in onshore wind power, and our extensive coastline provides rich opportunities for sustainable fishing and other sectors of blue economy. To capitalize on these assets, we are drafting a National Transformation Plan that outlines our vision for leveraging our resources to achieve stability, self- reliance, and prosperity. We welcome international investment and cooperation to help us realize this potential, integrate into the global economy, and contribute to regional peace and stability through strong partnerships. Mr. President As we look to the future, Somalia stands ready to play an active and responsible role in the global community. As an incoming member of the UN Security Council in 2025-2026, we are fully committed to working alongside all nations to confront the world’s most pressing challenges. Somalia is prepared to uphold international law, promote multilateralism, and contribute to maintaining international peace and security. The world stands at a critical juncture, and Somalia is prepared to engage in shaping a future where collaboration prevails over division, and where the dignity and security of every nation and community are upheld to shape a more equitable and peaceful global order. Let us work together with determination, building a future that is not only peaceful but inclusive and resilient for generations to come. I thank you for your attention.