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Remarks by Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of China’s Permanent Mission to the UN Ambassador Dai Bing at the joint AU – UN high-level meeting on financing for the ATMIS and resourcing for the Somali security transition

(From Chinese Mission to the United Nations)

2023-03-22 18:00

USG DiCarlo,

Commissioner Adeoye,

China welcomes the holding of this meeting, and thanks the briefers for their detailed briefings.

Over the years, AMISOM, ATMIS, and TCCs have made great sacrifices and contributions for the security and stability in Somalia and the wider region. Given the still volatile security situation in Somalia, the international community should pay greater attention and provide more support to ATMIS. I wish to highlight the following points.

First, the security transition should be promoted in a responsible manner. Recently, progress has been made in the fight against terrorism in Somalia, but there is still a long way to go for long-term peace and security. Before Somalia completes its transition plan, ATMIS will still play a critical role. At present, the AU is discussing the ATMIS transition plan with the Somali Government. We call for a stable, orderly, and responsible drawdown plan and transition arrangements based on the security situation in the country. The Somali Government should actively cooperate with ATMIS to avoid a security vacuum.

Second, funding shortage is a major obstacle to the performance of ATMIS. The EU and other major donors should continue to honor their commitments and secure the necessary funding for ATMIS operations, especially the funding required for the extension of the transition period. The Security Council should echo the call of the Secretary-General and the AU, and explore effective options to provide sustainable and predictable funding for ATMIS.

Third, to achieve lasting peace, Somalia must ultimately improve its own security capacity-building and build up responsible security forces. At the same time, it’s important to strengthen governance, combat corruption, and improve humanitarian access, so as to meet the needs of people in areas it has regained control of. When major country outside the region conducts military operations in Somalia, it must respect the sovereignty of Somalia and avoid harming civilians and causing negative impacts. Recently, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, and Somalia held a regional security summit. China supports countries in the region in deepening counter-terrorism cooperation and safeguarding common security. 

Thank you.

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