Somalia: We would not have recovered without the international community | United Nations
Somalia Seeks Continued International Support Amid Al-Shabab Threat and Political Tensions
MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia is calling for renewed international assistance as the nation grapples with an ongoing rebellion from the militant group al-Shabab and rising domestic political friction.
Ali Mohamed Omar, Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, highlighted the country’s progress since the government’s collapse three decades ago, which led to widespread civil conflict. “Somalia has come a long way, but its recovery would not have been possible without support from the international community,” Omar stated.
In a significant step towards self-governance, the Somali government requested the closure of the United Nations political office in October, expressing a desire to manage its own affairs. The UN mission, operational for over 30 years, aimed to assist in rebuilding Somalia’s institutions and facilitating political dialogue.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. The African Union continues to maintain a peacekeeping presence in Somalia, aiding the government’s efforts to combat al-Shabab, an armed group allied with al-Qaeda that exerts control over significant territories in central and southern Somalia. However, potential reductions in U.S. funding pose risks to the viability of the African Union’s mission.
Additionally, opposition figures in Somalia dispute the legitimacy of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, claiming that the current constitutional framework allows him to extend his time in office until the next year.
Omar asserted that, despite ongoing issues, Somalia enjoys greater stability than in previous years. He expressed hope that the international community would sustain its financial support as Somalia works towards strengthening its governance structures.
As Somalia endeavors to build on its progress, the country remains in a critical phase, balancing efforts for stability and internal unity with external support mechanisms.
