Insights on Somalia
Council experts are currently discussing China’s draft presidential statement for the strategic debate on Somalia on 10 March. They had their first meeting on Friday, 4 March and a revised version taking in comments made by members was circulated on Monday, 7 March.
The approach for the presidential statement appears to be modest. The goal would be to set out in general terms the Council’s concern about the general instability in Somalia, its support for the work of the UN in Somalia and the need for a comprehensive strategy to encourage peace and stability. It might also contain references to the participation of women in various aspects of capacity building, the need to protect civilians and stop violations against children as well as the importance of financial and logistical resources for AMISOM.
At this stage members do not appear to be talking about any specific new proposals to develop a more strategic approach to Somalia.