UNSOM becoming irrelevant-Somali envoy at UN

UNSOM must be reformed to be relevant-Somalia

The UN office in Somalia has ‘lost touch’ with the evolving situation and realities on the ground, the country’s ambassador to the UN Abukar Osman has said calling for reforms.

Abukar told the UN Security Council Friday the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) should be reformed to conform with the situation on the ground.

“This has caused the mission’s actions to become reactive to the events, with little ability to provide political support and technical assistance on critical outcomes that are fundamental to Somalia’s state-building agenda,” Osman said.

The Somali diplomat called for reform in the UN Mission adding the Secretary General reports should be rid of long narratives to focus on ‘or ‘more in-depth analysis of major issues as well as recommendations and conclusions.’

The Security Council Friday extended the mandate of UNSOM for a further one year after a proposal by the UK to add it nine months was shot down.