The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) have asked the government of Somalia on March 12, 2021 to organise elections in the country without further delay. This was asked by the UNSC in a resolution which has stressed about the pressing threat of security in Somalia because of al-Shabab and armed opposition groups.
Highlights
The UNSC resolution which was adopted has authorized the African Union to maintain around 20,000-strong force in Somalia until the end of year 2020. This was done in a bid to reduce the threat from extremist groups and enable a federal, sovereign, united and stable Somalia. The resolution was passed with the objective of transferring the security to Somali authorities so that the country lead in 2021 and achieve full responsibility by 2023. The UNSC resolution also stressed upon the importance of capacity building among the Somali forces and institutions and authorize AU force.
Background
The resolution was adopted amid the growing pressure on the President of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, after the scheduled elections in the month of February, 2021 could not take place. The election failed to take place as there was no agreement on how the vote will be carried out. The critics also accused Mohamed of delaying the election because he is seeking a second four-year term.
About Somalia
Somalia is a country in Horn of Africa. The country is bordered by Ethiopia in the west, Djibouti in the Northwest, Gulf of Aden in the north, Indian Ocean in the east, and Kenya in the southwest. It has the longest coastline on the mainland Africa. The country has the estimated population of 15 million and is the most culturally homogeneous country in Africa. 85% of the residents are ethnic Somalis. Official languages of Somalia include Somali and Arabic.