draft resolution (S/2024/790)
Date: 30 October 2024
Submitted by: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The Security Council,
Recalling all its previous resolutions and statements of its President on the
situation in Somalia,
Reaffirming its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political
independence and unity of Somalia,
Underlining the importance of consolidating the peace and security gains made
in Somalia, recognising that military action alone will not be sufficient to resolve
threats to peace and security in Somalia,
Emphasising its fundamental objective is to maintain peace and stability in
Somalia by supporting state-building and peace-building, and through the
advancement of Somalia’s national priorities,
Commending the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) for its concerted efforts
to advance national priorities, including its proactive measures and initiatives aimed
at countering terrorism and enhancing national security,
Emphasising the importance of effective and integrated support from the United
Nations system and the international community for long-term peace, including
through strengthening the capacity building of the FGS, to achieve peace, stability,
and prosperity, and support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, and the African Union’s
Agenda 2063, and welcoming to that end the FGS’s preparations for the
implementation of the Somalia National Transformation Plan for the period 2025–
2029, and the continuous implementation of the National Adaption Plan Framework,
in cooperation with the United Nations system and regional organisations,
Recalling paragraph 3 of resolution 2705 (2023), concerning the United Nations
Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), now encouraging the United Nations
Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), working closely with the
United Nations Country Team (UNCT), to consider ways to support Somalia’s
National Transformation Plan to ensure continued and sustained development
progress, in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation
Framework,
Welcoming the cooperation between UNSOM, United Nations Support Office in
Somalia (UNSOS), the UNCT and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia
(ATMIS), underlining the importance of collaborative working between the United
Nations, African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, other
multilateral and bilateral partners and Somalia, and encouraging all entities to
continue to strengthen the relationship further at all levels, including through the
Senior Leadership Coordination Forum,

Requesting that during its transition, UNTMIS maintains presence, as
appropriate, across Somalia to deliver its mandate, in coordination, as appropriate,
with the FGS and FMS to deliver its transition mandate, and ensures strong
cooperation with Somalia and the African Union, as the security situation allows, and
expressing its appreciation and support for the further relocation of the UNCT to
Somalia, as appropriate,

Recalling resolution 2687 (2023) and encouraging the Secretary-General, as
appropriate, to consider options for greater nationalisation of UN functions in
Somalia as a function of UNTMIS’s transition, including through sustained efforts in
attracting and employing national staff wherever feasible and practical and where it
could result in efficiencies and contribute to knowledge and skills transfer and
national capacity building,

Reiterating the importance of inclusive dialogue and local reconciliation
processes for stability in Somalia, and underscoring that the full, equal, meaningful
and safe participation of women is essential to progress national priorities, and
support reconciliation, security and transition from international security support, in
line with the Somalia Transition Plan (STP) and National Security Architecture,

Expressing grave concern that Al-Shabaab continues to pose a serious threat to
the peace, security and stability of Somalia and the region, condemning in the
strongest possible terms terrorist attacks in Somalia and neighbouring states, and
further expressing concern about the continued presence in Somalia of affiliates
linked to ISIL/Da’esh, and expressing full support for the efforts by Somalia and
ATMIS to counter the threat posed by Al-Shabaab,

Expressing serious concern about the humanitarian situation in Somalia,
couraging States to scale-up their humanitarian support to Somalia, and calling on
all parties to the conflict to allow and facilitate, in accordance with relevant
provisions of international law, including international humanitarian law, and in a
manner consistent with the United Nations guiding principles of humanitarian
emergency assistance (United Nations General Assembly resolution 46/182),
including humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, the full, rapid, safe and
unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance necessary to support persons in need
across Somalia,

Calling on all parties to comply with their obligations under international law,
and expressing continued concern about all violations of international humanitarian
law, in particular the targeting of civilians, including humanitarian personnel, and any
unlawful attacks against civilian objects, and violations and abuses of human rights,
including those involving sexual and gender-based violence in conflict,

Calling on the FGS to continue collaboration with the United Nations to
accelerate the implementation of the Joint Communiqué and the adoption and
implementation of the National Action Plan to Combat Sexual Violence in Conflict,

Expressing deep concern about the high number of verified instances of the six
grate violations against children documented in the Secretary-General’s annual report
on children and armed conflict (S/2024/384), including the high number of grave
violations attributed to Al-Shabaab, and urging the Somali Government authorities to
further strengthen efforts to end and prevent violations and abuses against children,
including through continued collaboration with the United Nations to consolidate the
gains of the two Action Plans on ending and preventing the recruitment and use and
the killing and maiming of children and the road map to expedite their implementation, including at the local level,
                  Encouraging the FGS to continue engaging with the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission to enhance international support for Somalia’s peace -
                  building objectives,
                  Recalling paragraph 6 of resolution 2705 (2023), which, inter alia, encouraged the FGS and Somalia’s Federal Member States (FMS) to deepen cooperation and
                  collaboration at all levels, to make progress towards finalising the constitution, in an inclusive manner consistent with Somalia’s obligations under international law,
                  prepare for free and fair national and local elections, advance political, national and local reconciliation, and promote the participation and inclusion of women, persons
                  belonging to marginalised clans, youth and persons with disabil ities, and uphold the rights of freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly and movement,
                  including the ability of journalists to operate freely,
                  Recalling the principles related to transitions of United Nations peace operations, including special political missions, set out in resolution 2594 (2021),
                  Calling on international partners to continue their financial and technical support to state-building and peace-building in Somalia, in line with Somalia’s
                  National Stabilisation Strategy, FMS-level Stabilisation Plans, the Somalia National Development Plan, Somalia’s security sector development plans to implement the
                  National Security Architecture and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, as appropriate,
                  1.    Takes note of the letter dated 30 August 2024 from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council, which contained the Federal
                  Government of Somalia’s proposal for the transition of UNSOM to the United Nations Country Team over a two-year period;
                  2.    Decides that UNSOM, whose mandate is set out in resolution 2158 (2014)
                  and resolution 2592 (2021), and most recently extended by resolution 2705 (2023),
                  shall be called the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia
                  (UNTMIS) and that UNTMIS shall begin the formal transition of its functions from
                  1 November 2024;
                  3.    Decides that UNTMIS shall deliver a first phase of its transition until
                  31 October 2025, as per the mandate set out in the resolutions referenced in
                  paragraph 2 to this resolution but modified in line with paragraphs 6 and 7 to this
                  resolution which set out the transition priorities for UNTMIS;
                  4.    Affirms that the measures set out in paragraph 3 to this resolution
                  constitute the first phase of UNTMIS's anticipated two-phased transition to a United
                  Nations Country Team and expresses its intention, informed by conditions on the
                  ground, to terminate UNTMIS’s mandate at the end of the anticipated two -phased
                  transition by 31 October 2026;
                  5.    Calls upon the FGS and Somalia’s Federal Member States to cooperate
                  fully with the UN during UNTMIS’s transition;
          Transition priorities
                  6.    Notes the FGS proposal referred to in paragraph 1 to this resolution,
                  recognises the areas critical to Somalia’s needs during the transition and requests that
                  in the first phase of its transition UNTMIS prioritise:
                        a.      Support to state-building, including the constitutional review process
                                and efforts to conduct free and fair elections, through inclusive and
transparent one-person, one-vote processes, including through
capacity building, technical assistance and policy guidance, and
facilitation of dialogue to promote reconciliation,
b. Promotion and protection of human rights, including through
institutional and human capacity building, technical assistance and
policy guidance,
c. Support to United Nations entities to ensure system -wide
implementation of the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy, where
relevant, across United Nations support in country,
d. Rule of law, justice and corrections and security sector support,
including through capacity building and technical assistance,
e. Coordination of international donor support, working with bilateral
and multilateral partners, including to assist authorities to deliver
basic services and community reconciliation, including in areas
newly recovered from Al-Shabaab, and,
f. Coordination of United Nations efforts in Somalia,
g. Coordination with ATMIS’s anticipated successor mission, with a
view to the progressive and phased transfer of these tasks in the
second phase of its transition and requests that UNTMIS begins,
from 1 November, planning and working towards the complete
handover of any other outstanding tasks by the end of the second
phase of UNTMIS’s transition;
7. Decides that in the first phase of its transition UNTMIS will complete the
progressive and phased transfer, to the FGS, the UNCT and other stakeholders, as
appropriate, of:
a. Coordination of United Nations agencies, funds and programmes,
and promotion of cooperation with relevant partners, to make
maximum use of development financing, as well as climate
financing, in Somalia in response to climate change,
b. Strategic policy advice on stabilization and disengagement of
combatants, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration,
c. Support to the FGS to implement Somalia’s National Strategy and
Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and
support to Somalia’s efforts to become a state party to the
international counter-terrorism conventions and protocols,
d. Strategic policy advice on mine action, and,
e. Technical advice and capacity-building to support the FGS and FMS
in their efforts to promote child protection, not including activities
mandated under resolution 1612 (2005), and to enable the full, equal
and meaningful participation of youth in peace and reconciliation
efforts, conflict resolution and peacebuilding;
Review and reporting
8. Requests the Secretary-General prepare, in consultation with the FGS, a
roadmap for delivering the first phase of the transition of UNTMIS’s tasks to the FGS,
the UNCT and other stakeholders, in accordance with the elements set out in
paragraph 7 to this resolution, including the practical modalities for the transition,
such as the reduction of UNTMIS personnel, and requests the Secretary-General to
update the Council by including this roadmap in the first report referenced in paragraph 9 to this resolution;
                  9.     Requests the Secretary-General to update the Security Council on the situation in Somalia, and on progress made in the implementation of the transition plan, related to the elements set out in paragraph 7 to this resolution, through two written reports, with the first report occurring before 30 March 2025 and the second before 30 September 2025;
                  10.  Expresses its intention to review the progress of UNTMIS’s transition, as informed by the Secretary-General’s reporting, by 31 October 2025, to support decision-making on timelines for the handover of UNTMIS’s remaining tasks during the second phase of its transition;
                  11.  Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.


Statements at the meeting:

representative: Mr. Kanu
country: Sierra Leone
statement: I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Council plus, namely, Algeria, Guyana, Mozambique and my country, Sierra Leone.
The A3+ thanks the United Kingdom for the constructive engagement and extensive consultations during the negotiation process on resolution 2753 (2024), which authorizes the transition of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) to the United Nations country team.
The A3+ recalls that the request from the Federal Government of Somalia was for a phased transition of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia to the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) for a period of two years, in collaboration with the partners involved, in order to provide assistance to Somalia to consolidate the progress and gains made in the State-building process. We are confident that UNTMIS will work in close coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia and the successor mission to the African Union Transition
The A3+ therefore voted in favour of the resolution just adopted, with a view to advancing the effective implementation of the Federal Government of Somalia’s security sector plan and its national transformation plan, which are both critical for the security of Somalia and the wider region. The adoption of this resolution reflects, in a concrete manner, our collective acknowledgement of the progress registered by the Federal Government of Somalia in many respects, with important United Nations support over a period of many years. Such support from the United Nations has reached a point to be adapted to the realities and the needs on the ground and the final objective of handing over the responsibilities to the host country, in line with the principles and regulations governing the United Nations presence, deployment and withdrawal.
Before arriving at the end date, it is necessary to ensure the effective implementation of the resolution to enable UNTMIS to support State-building processes, including the constitutional review and efforts to conduct free and fair elections through inclusive and transparent one person, one vote processes, including through capacity-building, technical assistance and policy guidance and the facilitation of dialogue to promote reconciliation.
In conclusion, the A3+ reiterates its unwavering support for Somalia and urges all partners to continue their collaborative efforts to support the country during this pivotal period. We also emphasize the importance of continuing to prioritize the interests of the Somali Government in the transitional process. Together, we can support Somalia to achieve lasting peace, security and development.

representative: Mr. Wood
country: United States of America
statement: The United States was pleased to vote in favour of resolution 2753 (2024), which renews the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), now to be known as the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS). We continue to view the Mission’s role as critical to peacebuilding, reform, reconciliation and rule of law priorities and ensuring that those efforts are done in coordination with security efforts. We welcome that the resolution effectively continues UNSOM’s mandate from resolution 2705 (2023), including its field presence, while incorporating recommendations from the joint United Nations-Federal Government of Somalia strategic review, including measured phases in the transition.
We are glad that the resolution requires the Council to consider conditions on the ground before each phase, should the situation change or deteriorate. In addition, the resolution will allow the leadership of UNSOM/UNTMIS to exercise its good offices, encourage Somalia to make progress towards finalizing the constitution, prepare for free and fair national and local elections, advance political, national and local reconciliation and promote human rights, including women’s political participation, the freedom of expression and the protection of journalists.
At the same time, we are disappointed about the reporting requirements. This is not the time to decrease the number of reports and briefings to the Council, especially when the Council is considering the future of a post-African Union Transition Mission in Somalia mission.
Finally, let me add a word of appreciation to Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General Jim Swan for his years of service in Somalia. We are very grateful for his leadership.

representative: Mr. Fu Cong (spoke in Chinese)
country: China
statement: Just now, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2753 (2024) to formally commence the phased transition of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) at the request of the Somali Government. China welcomes its adoption.
Since its establishment, UNSOM has made great efforts to support the Somali political process and coordinate international assistance. At this pivotal time of transition, the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia must respect Somali leadership and ownership of the process, strengthen communication with the Federal Government of Somalia and provide more tailored support, in line with its national development priorities.
It is important for the Mission to strive to leave a legacy before the end of its phased transition. To that end, it must strengthen the transfer of knowledge and skills to local employees and broaden procurement channels to help the local economy and improve people’s livelihoods.

representative: Mr. Nebenzia (spoke in Russian)
country: Russian Federation
statement: The Russian Federation supported resolution 2753 (2024), which was submitted by the United
The situation in Somalia

Kingdom and reorganizes the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). We are delighted that the document we adopted to a large extent reflects Mogadishu’s priorities as set out in the Secretary-General’s letter addressed to the President of the Security Council dated 30 August 2024. Yet a number of constructive proposals put forward by individual Council members were not taken account. Inter alia, we note that included the high-value added Chinese initiative to expand procurement on the Somali market for the United Nations presence.

We attach particular importance to the fact that in the resolution the Security Council sets a date for ending the Mission’s mandate, namely, 31 October 2026. In that regard, we support Mogadishu’s intention to incorporate the Mission’s functions into the national system at pace. We take as a given that close coordination among UNSOM, the United Nations country team and relevant Somali agencies will be ensured at the requisite level. We remain convinced that ending the Mission’s mandate and transferring its functions is an important step on the path to State-building in Somalia, the ultimate goal being for Mogadishu to have the opportunity to independently ensure peace and security throughout its sovereign territory.

representative: Mr. Osman
country: Somalia
statement: At the outset, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the penholder, the United Kingdom, and to Security Council delegations for their constructive engagement throughout the negotiations on the resolution on the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS). We welcome the adoption of resolution 2753 (2024), which reflects the Council’s commitment to implementing the request of the Federal Government of Somalia on the transition from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) to a United Nations country team within next two years.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the leadership of Secretary-General Guterres and the dedication of UNSOM personnel over the past decade. We look forward to collaborating closely with the transition team and with the United Nations country team on our priorities, in particular the implementation of long-term development initiatives. Moreover, it is essential to prioritize nationalization during the drawdown phase. In that vein, we encourage UNTMIS to exert sustained efforts on national procurement and employing national staff, especially Somali women, in order to contribute to local capacity-building and investment in the local economy during the transition.

Finally, the Federal Government of Somalia remains committed to the Somali people’s aspirations as we work towards peace and sustainable development.

The meeting rose at 10.20 a.m.