On January 1, Somalia is set to take over the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). However, it’s worth noting that Somalia is struggling as a state, facing challenges that have led to thousands of its citizens seeking refuge abroad.
Hillel Neuer, Executive Director of UN Watch, expressed concerns about the decision, stating it’s quite unreasonable for a country topping the Failed State Index to hold such an important position.
He pointed out that al-Qaeda influences many areas within Somalia, and a staggering 95% of girls aged 4 to 11 undergo genital mutilation, highlighting the severe issues the nation faces.
Neuer further added that Somalia ranks poorly across twelve different criteria, including terrorism, corruption, and economic instability, and suggested that the nation is essentially controlled by terrorist groups.
He claimed that Somalia’s election to the UNSC, garnering 93% of votes, was absurd given its dire situation and ongoing issues.
Supporters argue that the process of changing the UNSC presidency is very bureaucratic and does not have strict job requirements, making it a straightforward, month-long role.
Neuer noted that Somalia will that become a non-permanent member of the Security Council in June 2024, for the first time since the 1970s, potentially adding to its influence.
The UNSC comprises five permanent members and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. Somalia recently secured the East African seat from Mozambique alongside Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, and Panama, with 179 votes in favor out of 193.
Critics have expressed skepticism regarding Somalia’s progress, with some suggesting it’s still heavily under the influence of the al-Shabab terrorist group, raising doubts about its stability.
However, proponents like James Swan, a UN representative, posited that Somalia’s journey since the 1991 overthrow of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre has been noteworthy and could contribute valuable insights against terrorism.
Despite these discussions, Somalia’s impending presidency comes amid troubling news of a fraud ring that allegedly stole billions from U.S. taxpayers, alongside debates over the independence of Somaliland.
Recently, Somalia condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland but did so with a more measured tone than the government in Mogadishu, accusing Israel of exacerbating territorial fragmentation.
Out of the five permanent UNSC members, the U.S. offered some support for Somaliland’s recognition, though the other ten provisional members flatly rejected it.
Other regions, like Puntland and Jubaland, have suspended relations with the Mogadishu government, complicating claims about Somali statehood. Some Puntland residents have even indicated that they view Mogadishu as a breakaway state, inching toward separation.
The think tank “Horn Review” remains hopeful about the government’s prospects, suggesting that this presidency could provide Somalia with essential agenda-setting abilities. They noted that it can serve as a platform for addressing key issues like funding for peacekeeping missions in the region and combating al-Shabaab.
While this leadership role is seen as a crucial opportunity for Somalia to influence UNSC discussions, there remain significant challenges that might hinder its effectiveness in this capacity.
