Somalia's UN Security Council Presidency: Program of Work and Key Issues

Somalia's UN Security Council Presidency

• 🇸🇴 Somalia assumes the presidency of the UN Security Council for January 2026, marking a significant return after 54 years.
• 🔑 The presidency emphasizes efficiency, transparency, inclusivity, and consensus-building in diplomatic efforts.
• 🌍 Somalia aims to be a voice of reason, a bridge-builder, and an advocate for international law and the UN Charter.

January 2026 Security Council Program of Work

• 🗓️ The program includes briefings on the Middle East (Syria's chemical weapons), Yemen, and Haiti.
• 🇨🇾 The council will address the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH).
• 🇸🇩 A briefing from the International Criminal Court on Sudan is scheduled.
• ⚖️ A high-level open debate on promoting and strengthening the rule of law in maintaining international peace and security is a signature event.
• 🌍 The council will also hold a high-level open debate on the Middle East, elevated due to recent developments.

Key Issues and Discussions

• 🇮🇱 The recognition of Somaliland by Israel is a major point of contention, with Somalia asserting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• 🇵🇸 Somalia rejects claims that it would accept the deportation of Palestinians from Gaza, calling it unacceptable and a distraction from atrocities in occupied territories.
• 🗣️ Ambassador Osman clarified that past atrocities in Somalia were not genocide and were part of fighting a military regime, not targeted at specific groups.
• 🤝 The council overwhelmingly supports Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, opposing the recognition of Somaliland.
• 🇺🇳 Discussions also touched upon the renewal of Cyprus mission mandate, the crisis in Yemen, and the situation in Syria.
• 🇺🇦 The issue of Ukraine was also raised, with members suggesting a discussion on the ongoing conflict.
• 🇸🇩 The ICC's role in Sudan and accountability for civilians and impunity were highlighted.
• 🇵🇸 Humanitarian concerns in Gaza, including the role of UNRWA, were addressed, with a focus on stabilization and addressing the crisis.

Somalia-US Relations and Rhetoric

• 🤝 Despite rhetoric from some US officials, the relationship between Somalia and the United States remains strong, particularly in fighting terrorism.
• 🇺🇸 The US mission in New York maintains good relations with the Somali government, and US policy supports Somalia's sovereignty.
• 🌍 The Security Council will consider issues in Iran if they arise, following established UN procedures for crisis situations.