Somalia has taken a series of landmark steps in recent weeks to bring an end to the Horn of Africa nation’s eight-year political transition, including the adoption of a provisional constitution, the establishment of a new parliament and the election of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as President.

In a unanimously adopted resolution Tuesday, the Council stressed the importance of the new Somali authorities developing a programme to define post-transition priorities, and underlined that a national referendum on the provisional constitution and general elections should take place within the term of the current parliament.

It also underlined the responsibility of the Somali authorities “to support reconciliation and deliver effective and inclusive local administrations, and public services to the people,” and that these initiatives must be complemented by the expansion of rule of law institutions to areas recovered from Al-Shabaab insurgents.

The 15-member body also strongly condemned the grave and systematic human rights violations perpetrated by many parties, including al-Shabaab, and emphasised the need for accountability for all such violations and abuses.

In addition, the Council reiterated its support for the UN-backed African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AMISOM), and called on all partners to support it as well through the provision of funding for troops, equipment and technical assistance.

Source: BERNAMA