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Explanation of Vote by Minister-Counselor Sun Zhiqiang on the Security Council Resolution on Extending the Mandate of ATMIS

2022-12-21 16:41

Madam President,

ATMIS, since its deployment, has actively performed its duties and responsibilities, and made important contributions to the maintenance of security and stability in Somalia. China commends this. At present, the security situation in Somalia remains dire, with frequent terrorist attacks and worsening humanitarian situation. The African Union Peace and Security Council made a timely decision, calling for an adjustment of ATMIS drawdown, postponing by six months the downsizing of 2000 units of personnel. This is conducive to consolidating the counter-terrorism achievement and maintaining peace and stability in Somalia and its region. China fully supports the above-mentioned decision of AUPSC, and voted in favor of the draft resolution extending the ATMIS mandate. 

At the same time, I would like to point out that it is the Government of Somalia that shoulders the primary responsibility for maintaining peace and security in the country. We hope that the Somali Government will increase the control of arms and ammunition, combat illegal arms trafficking, and strictly prevent the proliferation of weapons. At the same time, the Somali Government should effectively improve its governance capacity, advance reforms, improve people’s livelihood, fight corruption, and reduce administrative restrictions on humanitarian work. We also hope the Somali Government will actively cooperate with ATMIS in its downsizing, follow the established transition plan, and build up a professional, strong, and responsible security force as soon as possible, so as to provide a strong backing for ensuring the safety of the Somali people. 

I thank you, Madam President.

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