UN representative to Somalia welcomes progress in preparations for 2016 elections

The UN Security Council heard Tuesday from the top United Nations official in Somalia that political progress is being made in the country, but that much remains to be done in a short period, including completing the electoral process for 2016 and boosting support to the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM).

    "The progress is real but reversible," Michael Keating, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), told the 15-member body during an update on the situation in the country.

    "The State formation and electoral processes remain vulnerable spoilers. AMISOM needs financial and management support and cannot stay forever," he added. Progress, however, is taking place "amid great insecurity," the Special Representative stressed.

    Moreover, he said that Al Shabab remains a potential threat, and an incursion into the coastal area of Puntland in mid-March highlighted the vulnerability of the north. Although facing significant casualties, Al Shabab continues to carry out repeated asymmetric and conventional attacks.

    For his part, Somali President referred to reports saying that hundreds of Somali migrants have drowned in the Mediterranean Sea on a trip from Libya to Italy. I this context, he added that if these reports are confirmed, this may be the worst tragedy in the current immigration crisis.

Source: QNA