On Thursday, a Chinese ambassador urged Somalia’s political process to go forward.
In remarks at a UN Security Council briefing on Somalia, China’s permanent representative to the UN, Zhang Jun, said China calls on Somalia’s federal government to strengthen mutual trust through dialogue with federal member states in order to find solutions for long-term peace and stability in the country.
According to him, the international community must respect Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, preserve the Somali-led and Somali-owned ethos, and give constructive support.
Somalia’s security transformation is currently in a crucial moment. According to the Chinese ambassador, the federal government should expedite the capacity-building of its security forces and strengthen its autonomous counter-terrorism capabilities.
He praised the initiative by Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Kenya to strengthen regional counter-terrorism cooperation in order to protect shared security.
Zhang stated that, in light of the developments in the situation, the Security Council should evaluate and revise the arms embargo measures imposed on Somalia, as well as assist the nation in bolstering its defence capabilities.
According to Zhang, the humanitarian situation in Somalia is dire, with half of the population in desperate need of humanitarian assistance and 6.6 million people facing food insecurity. He added that the international community should step up humanitarian assistance and ensure the timely disbursement of humanitarian funding, and Somalia should improve humanitarian access and support international humanitarian operations.
China, as a valued friend and partner of Somalia, has always supported the country’s efforts to achieve sustainable peace and national rebuilding, and has assisted the country in strengthening its capability to combat terrorism and preserve stability, according to Zhang.
“China stands ready to work with the international community to contribute even more to the achievement of lasting peace and stability in Somalia,” he stated.