UN Security Council welcomes progress in Somalia

UNITED NATIONS -- The UN Security Council on Thursday welcomed Somalia's progress and urged the parties to make 2018 a year of implementation of various reforms.

In a press statement, the Security Council welcomed the political commitment to security sector, economic and political reforms.

The council stressed the importance of making progress on the political settlement in preparation for elections in 2020/2021.

It welcomed the Nov 5 agreement between the federal government and states on taking forward security and federalism, and urged the federal government to ensure high-level dialogue with states to make progress on key issues, including the constitutional review, elections, fiscal federalism, and power and resource sharing.

The council raised concern about ongoing instability in Somalia and urged all parties to resolve political differences through peaceful dialogue.

It welcomed Somalia's commitment to working with partners to develop a conditions-based transition plan with clear target dates.

Briefing the Security Council on Wednesday, Michael Keating, the UN secretary-general's special representative for Somalia, reported "definite progress" in the country thanks to the new federal government that embraces reforms.

Since the peaceful transition of power almost a year ago, the new government led by President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed has crafted a commendable national agenda embracing financial reform, job creation, inclusive politics, conflict resolution and reform of the security sector, said Keating.