Extremists will derail progress in Somalia - Michael Keating (UNSOM) briefs the UN Security Council

Remarks by Mr. Michael Keating, Special Representative of the Secretary General for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) on the situation in Somalia. In his final briefing to the Security Council, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Michael Keating, today (13 Sep) said the threat that “Al Shabaab and other extremists will derail progress” remains as the top challenge for the country. Keating who will step down as the Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) at the end of the month, said that “despite the success of AMISOM and Somali security forces in containing Al Shabaab, it remains resilient. It is regularly using targeted assassinations, improvised explosive devices and extortion both of communities and businesses, including in Mogadishu and other towns.” Another issue facing the government, he said, is that “political differences will bring progress, passage of key legislation, and implementation of the government s reform and security agenda, to a grinding halt.” Keating said, “the deficit of trust between central government and federal member states, and the recent decision by the latter to suspend cooperation, are very worrisome.” Other major risks, he said, include fragmentation in the international community and the prospect of humanitarian catastrophe.