Explanation of Vote on the Renewal of UN Security Council Resolution 2498

Rodney Hunter
Political Coordinator
U.S. Mission to the United Nations
New York, New York
November 12, 2020

AS DELIVERED

Thank you, Madam President.

The United States welcomes the renewal of Resolution 2498 under the UN sanctions regime for Somalia, as well as its extension of the Somalia Panel of Experts mandate and provisions of the arms embargo for a further 12 months.

The authorities in this resolution are an important part of the UN arms embargo, which every Council member has committed to uphold in the interest of securing peace and stability both in Somalia, and in the broader region. To that end, we also support the increased focus on thwarting Al-Shabaab’s exploitation of the financial system, and the addition of humanitarian language in this resolution. These elements draw attention to necessary reporting and urge the Somali authorities to address sexual and gender-based violence in Somalia with renewed strength.

The United States remains committed to promoting the security and prosperity of the people of Somalia.

Thank you.

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