New York(Mogadishu24)-United Nations Envoy to Somalia, James Swan, briefed the UN Security Council on Thursday about the current situation in Somalia, with a focus on constitutional reforms, the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab, and regional tensions, especially between Somalia and Ethiopia following Ethiopia’s port deal with Somaliland earlier this year.

Swan highlighted that Somalia’s Federal Government remains committed to its national priorities. The amendment of the first four chapters of the Provisional Constitution in March was a significant milestone, with consultations ongoing on chapters 5-9, covering critical aspects like power-sharing between the central Government and federal member states.

Progress towards one-person-one-vote elections is underway, with the Federal Cabinet endorsing key bills, including the Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission Bill, the Elections Bill, and the Political Parties and Organizations Bill.

“The National Consultative Council, which convened yesterday with federal and state leaders, is expected to review these bills before their submission to Parliament“, he said.

Swan emphasized the importance of broad consultations and political consensus for the successful transition to universal suffrage elections. He assured the Security Council of the UN’s commitment to support Somalia in meeting technical, logistical, and financial challenges to ensure timely and credible elections.