Foreign Affairs Council meeting
Luxembourg, 20 October 2014
The Council adopted the following conclusions:
1. The EU welcomes the political and security progress made in Somalia since the signing of the Somali Compact during the Brussels New Deal Conference for Somalia in September 2013. The Somali Compact has since provided the framework for the reconstruction of Somalia and has become an important tool to establish the rule of law and security, and promote socio-economic development.
2. The EU welcomes the steps taken to implement the Government’s ‘Vision 2016: Framework for Action’ plan, laying the foundations of a new Somalia and realising the Somali Compact. While the EU welcomes recent progress, further efforts will be needed if the ambitious timeline is to be met. The EU therefore urges the Federal Government of Somalia to maintain momentum, unity of purpose and build on the positive gains made to date. The EU emphasises the importance of establishing interim regional administrations by the end of 2014 and the need for an ongoing and inclusive dialogue between the Federal Government and all regions, that includes participation of civil society and women, and that also tackles more effectively and transparently the fundamental issues of power and resource sharing. This should apply in particular to resource-generating economic sectors, such as infrastructure, extractives and fisheries. The National Independent Electoral Commission and the Boundaries and Federation Commission should be established this year and steps should be taken to deliver the constitutional referendum and conduct a legitimate and inclusive electoral process in 2016. This requires the Parliament to fulfil its legislative duties.
3. The EU underlines that inclusive and accountable political processes are critical to further progress and supports the objective of holding peaceful and transparent national elections in 2016. National reconciliation in Somalia is crucial and the EU welcomes the efforts of the Federal Government and the emerging interim regional administrations, with the support of IGAD and its member states, to support inclusive reconciliation processes at regional level. It urges all political leaders to demonstrate the value of working in partnership. The EU also welcomes the important contribution made by the Somali civil society and diaspora and underlines that women, youth and minority groups must all play an important role in shaping the future of Somalia.
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