Somalia Takes Security Council Gavel as Somaliland, Gaza, Sudan Loom
- Ahmed Fathi
- Jan 2
- 3 min read
By Ahmed Fathi
UNHQ, New York: Somalia assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for January on Thursday, marking a historic moment for the country’s return to the Council after more than five decades and vowing a month centered on multilateralism, consensus-building, and the rule of law.
Speaking at UN Headquarters, Somalia’s Permanent Representative, Abukar Dahir Osman, described the presidency as both symbolic and substantive, coming 54 years after Somalia last served on the Council in 1971–72.
“This is a significant milestone for my country,” Osman said, calling Somalia’s return a reaffirmation of its commitment to the UN Charter, international law, and the peaceful settlement of disputes
Osman outlined a crowded January agenda that includes briefings and consultations on Syria’s chemical weapons, Yemen, Haiti, Sudan, Cyprus, and Colombia, alongside two high-level debates chaired by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud. The signature event, scheduled for Jan. 26, will focus on promoting and strengthening the rule of law in maintaining international peace and security, timed with the UN Charter’s 80th anniversary
The presidency will also elevate the Council’s quarterly Middle East debate to a high-level session on Jan. 28, citing escalating crises in Gaza, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon.
Somaliland Recognition Sparks Sharp Rebuttal
The press conference was dominated by questions on reports that Israel had recognized Somaliland, a self-declared breakaway region in northern Somalia. Osman rejected the move outright, describing it as a politically motivated distraction from the war in Gaza.
He dismissed claims that atrocities committed during Somalia’s military regime decades ago constituted genocide, arguing that the violence was neither targeted nor confined to a single region. The Israeli move, he said, was “a calculated effort to divert the world’s attention” from the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories
Osman emphasized that the Security Council’s response had been unified. “All members supported the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia,” he said, adding that dialogue with leaders from the northwest region remains ongoing within Somalia’s federal system
“All members supported the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia,”
Addressing reports that Somaliland recognition was linked to proposals to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, Osman said Somalia would not accept “a single forced Palestinian” anywhere on its territory, calling such ideas unacceptable and destabilizing
Gaza, Yemen, Sudan Remain Flashpoints
On Gaza, Osman said Somalia is “gravely concerned” about the humanitarian crisis, particularly the plight of displaced families and children exposed to winter conditions. He reaffirmed Somalia’s support for UN humanitarian agencies, including UNRWA, calling their work “non-negotiable” in addressing civilian suffering
Yemen, he said, remains a regional priority for Somalia and the Council, with an emphasis on de-escalation, protection of civilians, and securing the release of detained UN personnel. The Council is awaiting an updated briefing from the UN special envoy
On Sudan, Osman noted that the International Criminal Court briefing later this month is mandated, underscoring the Council’s concern over worsening humanitarian conditions and recent attacks on UN peacekeepers. “We cannot abandon engagement or diplomacy on Sudan,” he said
Relations With Washington
Asked about hostile rhetoric toward Somalia and Somali Americans in the United States, Osman sought to separate political discourse from policy, saying U.S.–Somalia cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism efforts against al-Shabaab, remains intact.
“I don’t see any policy change,” he said, adding that relations with the U.S. mission in New York remain strong
A Presidency Framed by Method
Osman stressed that Somalia’s presidency will emphasize working methods as much as outcomes, prioritizing transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency.
“How the Council works is just as important as the decisions it takes,” he said, signaling an intent to use the month not only to manage crises but to reinforce confidence in multilateral diplomacy at a time of deep global strain