Presentation by SRSG Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah to the UN Preparatory Meeting for the International

11 Sep 2009

Presentation by SRSG Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah to the UN Preparatory Meeting for the International

Conference on Reconstruction and Development - Implementation of the Djibouti Agreement
Stockholm, 20 October 2008
I would like to thank the Government of Sweden for its generous support and assistance in making today's event possible. Many thanks also to all participants for their presence and expected active participation in the discussion. We are meeting in the framework of the Djibouti Agreement (DA), and more specifically, on the implementation of its Article 11, which reads: "The Parties call on the international community to help provide the adequate resources for the implementation and follow-up of this Agreement. The Parties also consider it a priority to convene within the next six (6) months an international conference aimed at addressing Somalia's Reconstruction and Development."
To start I would like to provide an outline of the progress made so far – and our future plans. It is not "business as usual" but calls on a comprehensive effort in approach and action from all actors especially external partners
  1. The progress made over the past year
  1. Outlining my views of the situation I expect in one year's time
  1. The challenges to these views
  1. Why I believe it will succeed

1. The Progress made over the past year

One year ago
  • Extensive Ethiopian military presence; Small, insufficient AMISOM mission; no discussion of international peacekeeping; no discussion on a way out of the crisis;
  • Organized, progressive and dominant insurgency ;
  • Defiant TFG creating widespread concern within international community;
  • Political structuring of ARS – new, fragile and based in Eritrea;
  • Ethiopian/Eritrea conflict playing itself out both in Somali political and military situation;
  • Heightened international concern about "terrorism" in Somalia.
Where are we today
  • A process in place between the TFG and the only known opposition a year ago; internationally supported and progressive. Within the context of this process we have;
  • Framework for Ethiopian withdrawal;
  • Framework for a structured, monitorable ceasefire;
  • Framework for joint security sector implementation between the two Parties;
  • Discussions on international stabilization force underway at UNHQ;
  • Trust and cooperation between two Parties taking place – joint delegations to UNSC and Secretary General in New York, to the ICG in Djibouti, South Africa trip, etc;
  • Framework for political cooperation providing the opportunity for unity Government and/or recognised opposition/ enlarged parliament;
  • Cooperation underway on drawing up new constitution;
  • Funding provided by EC, Norway and the US for High Level and Joint Security Committees.
At the same time
  • Violence continuing on the ground thought not as structured as indicated in the many websites. Part of violence linked to economic interests or criminality;
  • AMISOM increasing in numbers and efficiency but still below under half of proposed force and under resourced;
  • Fragment of ARS opposed to the peace agreement remains in Asmara;
  • Increasing incidents of Piracy – its impacts which I see as political, economic, environmental and humanitarian;
  • Humanitarian crisis intensifies and need for review of policy including role of contractors.
2. Outline of a vision of the situation expected in a year's time
  • Continued flexible support of the international community is crucial to the realization of this vision;
  • The opposition is accommodated within the framework of an extended transitional period. New stronger able authorities open to dialogue and inclusion of all Somalis;
  • Joint efficient regional administrations including Banadir in place;
  • A conference dedicated to addressing concerns over justice and reconciliation undertaken;
  • On the security front, cessation of extensive armed confrontation;
  • Single command of joint security apparatus with progressive success in implementing law and order, accepted by international community as legitimate (respectful of human rights and other norms);
  • The new Somali security system greatly supported by international stabilization force (AMISOM and UN) playing a major role in the institutionalization of reformed security sector (training, equipment etc);
  • Political and security improvements are underpinned by Somali and international support; basis for friendly relations with neighbours in place;
  • Increased international UN and diplomatic presence inside Somalia;
  • Labour intensive recovery projects well underway – job creation for youth, street cleaning, clinics, schools, etc;
  • Agreement on encampment, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants;
  • Large scale piracy managed and contained thanks to adequate international support.
3. Possible challenges to the vision
  • Inadequate international support for Djibouti Agreement leading to distraction and slow implementation of process resulting in frustration from public and Parties creating wider scepticism;
  • Inadequate resources or their untimely delivery slowing implementation;
  • Inadequate international security presence on the ground (larger UN, stronger AMISOM);
  • Further divisions among one or all Somali Parties – failure to create critical mass.
4. Conclusion

  • I am confident of the commitment of the Parties to the process and their will to move from preparation to implementation. That process is moving more slowly than we all desire, but this is needed if the Parties and us are to get it right this time. The Parties needed to consult with their constituencies inside and outside;

  • I am confident of our capacity to manage this process. But we can not and should not do it alone. We need the coherence of the international community, including the sub region to continue political and financial commitment to the process;

  • In this meeting, we will share with you the outline of what the process requires in the areas of political, security and first phase of recovery for this one-year vision which will be the subject of a conference early next year. This should be seen in addition to expanding humanitarian delivery for 2009 that will be the subject of a separate appeal as well as resources for AMISOM operations;

  • ·The Conference on Reconstruction and Development (Article 11) is a strong signal from the International Community, demonstrating its commitment to the revival of Somalia beyond the era of fighting and destruction and to addressing the long-term economic concerns.
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