UNSC BRIEFED ON SITUATION IN SOMALIA

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 USUN NEW YORK 000894 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF, IO, PM, USUN/W E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER KPKO MARR PHUM SO SUBJECT: UNSC BRIEFED ON SITUATION IN SOMALIA USUN NEW Y 00000894 001.2 OF 003 ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY. Under Secretary-General Pascoe and UNSOA Director of Field Support Boyd reported to the Security Council on October 8 that the TFG has persevered in spite of the challenging security situation, and urged the international community to continue its political and financial support. Boyd said that the security environment in Mogadishu will slow the Department of Field Support's capacity to deliver the mandated support package. Somali Permanent Representative Elmi Ahmed Duale emphasized that his government has made much progress, including strengthening the overall security apparatus, but noted that the devastating humanitarian situation requires urgent action. All members called for international support for AMISOM and the TFG. Ambassador DiCarlo noted Eritrea's support for insurgent groups. The UK and Russia discussed augmenting the current sanctions regime to address external spoilers supporting the insurgency in Somalia. SUMMARY. ¶2. (SBU) In his October 8 address to the Security Council, Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs Pascoe emphasized that the priority of the international community should remain supporting the Somali government in the areas of security, political dialogue, piracy, development and humanitarian assistance. Pascoe stated that in spite of the difficulties of the last few months, the TFG has overcome attacks by "foreign funded and heavily armed" groups. Pascoe called on the international community to support the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) via the Joint Security Committee, stating that, "money received today in Somalia will have a far greater impact on stability than that which arrives in three months time." Pascoe lauded the TFG's openness to political dialogue, including the recent agreement between the Somali government and the Puntland authorities. On piracy, he acknowledged the critical role played by the international maritime presence off Somalia's coast and urged member states, international organizations and the private sector to contribute to the Trust Fund for anti-piracy. Pascoe concluded by noting that, "external spoilers must be neutralized," from Somalia and that, "targeted sanctions can be one effective way to deal with the spoilers." ¶3. (SBU) UNSOA Director Craig Boyd, delivering points on behalf of Under Secretary-General for Field Support Susana Malcorra, stated that due to the challenging security environment in Mogadishu, including attacks on AMISOM facilities and UN contracted ships, the Department of Field Support's capacity to deliver the mandated support package will be slowed. Each of the four maritime vessels that have transported UNSOA consignments to AMISOM have been attacked. In spite of these challenges, Boyd pointed to several key achievements made by the UN Support Office for AMISOM including progressively phasing down the support received by the U.S. and its vendor as UN support arrangements for AMISOM come into effect as planned. Boyd stated that a critical gap remains between the confirmed financial pledges to AMISOM and actual donor disbursements and welcomed the October 9 donors conference in New York to finalize contributions. Boyd, however, welcomed the USD 10 million contributions made to the AMISOM Trust fund by donor states since July. Somalia Permanent Representative Emphasizes Commitment to Peace -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Somali Permanent Representative Elmi Ahmed Duale stated that despite ongoing security challenges his government has made progress via the Djibouti peace process. Duale underscored the importance of strengthening AMISOM to improve the security situation and welcomed the support of several Council members for the deployment of a UN peacekeeping force (UNPKO) in Somalia. Duale stressed that the root cause of piracy was inland, not on the high seas, and called for a reinforcement of security forces in order to stop pirates from capturing Somali ports. He hoped that the Security Council will apply sanctions against, "all spoilers including individuals, entities and countries concerned." Permanent Member Views -------------- ¶5. (SBU) All members of the Council called for international support of the TFG and AMISOM, addressed the security situation, and lamented the deteriorating humanitarian situation. Ambassador DiCarlo condemned the continuing military offensives against the TFG and AMISOM, in particular the September 17 attacks, and urged donors to fulfill their pledges to both AMISOM and the Somali government. She noted USUN NEW Y 00000894 002.2 OF 003 that drought and insecurity are worsening the humanitarian situation, and that ongoing fighting endangers food delivery and other humanitarian aid to the 3.7 million Somalis in need of assistance. Piracy also continues to be an obstacle in assistance delivery. Ambassador DiCarlo urged prosecution of suspected pirates to ensure an environment in which aid and supplies can be transported safely. Pointing to reports by the Somalia Sanctions Committee of Eritrea's support for insurgent groups operating in Somalia, Ambassador DiCarlo stated that the international community should consider ways to address this behavior. ¶6. (SBU) The United Kingdom said that the "situation in Somalia remained extremely fragile," and the UN and international community must intensify implementation of its strategy, including by dispersing funds pledged in Brussels. The UK expressed concern about Eritrea's reported support to armed groups and stated that the UK is prepared to give the AU's request for sanctions "serious consideration." France underscored the serious humanitarian situation, reminding the Council of the precarious security situation that has resulted in the deaths of nine aid workers, as well as the kidnapping of 13 others. Also mentioned was the French official kidnapped by insurgents in July who continues to be held. France has trained 150 TFG soldiers in Djibouti and plans to train 350 more shortly. France also noted the EU's interest in managing a training mission, as well as German and Russian offers to train TFG forces. France welcomed the Somali government's efforts to reach out to the opposition and "expand the political space," and urged all parties to join the peace process. Citing the need to bring pirates to justice, France called for the creation of a trust fund to support civilian and criminal justice efforts in the fight against piracy. ¶7. (SBU) Russia focused on the security situation in Somalia, stating that without serious stabilization it would be impossible to significantly advance normalization or build statehood in Somalia. Russia said that the scope of AMISOM's mandate as defined by UNSCR 1744 is sufficient to assist the TFG, and that conditions are not present for a "full-fledged" UN operation in Somalia as there is no peace to keep. Russia called on States of the region to prevent the flow of foreign mercenaries and arms into Somalia, adding that the Council should, "take additional steps to strengthen" the Somalia sanctions regime. China urged the UN to play a greater role in Somalia, stating that while deployment of a UN peacekeeping operation in Somalia faces obstacles the international community cannot wait for conditions to ripen. China also urged the international community to provide assistance to AMISOM and noted its contribution of funds to AMISOM, the Somali government, as well as its cancellation of a large amount of Somalia's debt. Other Member Views -------------- ¶8. (SBU) Other members of the Council expressed concern over continuing attacks on the TFG and AMISOM, in particular the September 17 attacks. Members welcomed the TFG's efforts to reach out to opposition groups, including Ahlu Sunna-wa Al Jamma, and called on the international community to support the Somali government both politically and financially. Turkey deplored the current living conditions of AMISOM troops and called on donors to disperse their pledges as soon as possible. Most delegations urged enhanced coordination. Austria said that until the root causes of piracy are addressed, including by enhancing the rule-of-law in Somalia, the international community will not "meet lasting success" against piracy. Costa Rica focused on the humanitarian conditions in Somalia, condemning acts of violence against civilians and welcoming the establishment of a human rights focal point in the TFG. ¶9. (SBU) Mexico noted concern over reports of child recruitment by armed groups, as well as food aid diversions by criminals. Mexico underscored the importance of regaining control of seaports and airports in Somalia by cooperating on a regional basis. Croatia commended the establishment of the Commission on Security and Pacification and the TFG's appointment of a new Minister of Defense, which will contribute to the government's ability to restore order. Croatia also noted its support of a shift to a UN "light footprint" on the ground in Somalia, as well as consultations on a possible future UNPKO. Libya called on the international community to support its pledges to AMISOM and asked that it be transformed rapidly into a UNPKO. Vietnam USUN NEW Y 00000894 003.2 OF 003 echoed this call. Libya also stated that the international maritime presence off the coast of Somalia should not be used to protect illegal fishing in Somali coastal waters. Sanctions -------------- ¶10. (SBU) Mexico, as chair of the Somalia sanctions committee, stated that sanctions implementation in Somalia by the Security Council should be consistent with the approach pursued in the sub-region, taking into account the complex situation on the ground. Uganda stated that the Security Council should deal with all spoilers of the peace firmly, asking, in view of the magnitude of the situation, "is the current approach commensurate with the threat on the ground." Burkina Faso urged the Security Council to act against spoilers via the Somalia Sanctions Committee and other mechanisms. As noted in paragraphs 6 and 7, the UK and Russia expressed interest in enhancing the current sanctions regime. RICE