SOMALIA SECURITY CONFERENCE 2023,

UN Headquarters, New York, New York, December 12th 2023

1. On 12 December, 2023 the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh
Mohamud, convened the Somalia Security Conference in New York, which was cohosted by the African
Union, European Union, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United
Nations and the United States of America, and attended by 28 of Somalia’s friends and partners.

2. Reaffirming our respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of
Somalia, partners agreed that the Security Conference comes at a critical moment for Somalia, with
this past year marking several significant achievements, and welcomed the Federal Government of
Somalia’s (FGS) initiative to present its vision for the development of the security sector, paving the
way for Somalia assuming full ownership and responsibility for its security sector, as well as supporting
its efforts towards greater political stability.

We acknowledge the progress made

3. On the security front, Somalia National Armed Forces (SNAF) and community forces – with the support
of ATMIS and international partners – – have taken the fight to Al-Shabab with historic effect. Thanks
to their efforts and sacrifices, multiple villages and towns have been recovered from Al-Shabab. The
FGS’ comprehensive counter terrorism strategy has been key to driving progress in liberating new
areas from aS, degrading their financial base and increasing higher levels of defection. Initial
stabilization efforts are enabling the delivery of services in newly recovered areas. We commend the
FGS for taking the first steps towards security transition with the completion of ATMIS phase I in June
2023, and note that phase II is underway, due to be completed by 31 December 2023.

4. We acknowledge that in the face of significant challenges, success has been made possible through
the commitment of the Somali government and its partners. We commend the continued bravery and
pay tribute to the heavy sacrifices made by the ATMIS Troop and Police Contributing Countries, SNAF,
community forces, and international partners in the pursuit of peace, stability and development in
Somalia.

5. We recognise the recent UN Security Council Resolution and Somalia’s achievement in the lifting of
the decades long Arms Embargo, enabling the space for required equipping of Somali armed forces as
ATMIS forces draw down and depart Somalia by December 31, 2024.

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6. On the political front, long awaited significant political agreements have been reached facilitating the
way for the start of an inclusive constitutional process and elections. Partners acknowledge the revised
National Security Architecture agreement on police functions at the national and federal member state
levels and enactment of security-related legal frameworks.

7. On the economic front, domestic revenue has increased, and we congratulate Somalia on being
accepted into the East African Community (EAC) and as well as achieving the HIPC completion point,
a significant milestone, leading to greater access to financing.

8. Participants acknowledged that sustained support and collaboration by the FGS and international
partners will be required to capitalize on these achievements.

9. There is reason for optimism in Somalia, and an opportunity to set out an ambitious agenda for Somali-
led reforms supported by the international community over the next five years and in the longer term.
We emphasise the importance of maintaining the momentum and reaffirm our support for a democratic,
stable and prosperous Somalia.

We welcome the Somali Security Sector Development plan

10. Our shared long-term objective is to support the FGS to continue to degrade and ultimately defeat aS
by increasing and sustaining full spectrum pressure in line with the FGS counter- terrorism strategy
whilst creating the conditions for stabilisation, rule of law, good governance and political reconciliation.
To that end, partners stand ready to support the FGS and commit to working collectively towards
Somalia assuming full ownership and responsibility for its security sector.

11. We welcome the Security Sector Development plan presented at this conference, which includes the
establishment of capable, affordable, transparent and accountable Somali Security Forces and
institutions that, in turn, facilitate peacebuilding efforts. The plan lays out a phased approach to ensuring
delivery and sustainability of security provision, including due consideration of affordability, beginning
with the immediate priority of establishing base foundations in the ‘Now’, building and sustaining gains
in the ‘Next’, and expanding capabilities of the security sector in the ‘Later’. The plan will be guided by
Somalia’s commitments under international human rights law. We welcome the commitment to further
development of elements of the plan in collaboration with our partners.

12. We acknowledge that Somali security forces (SSF) will face simultaneous multiple demands, which will
require external support to address key capability gaps through transition period. With all these
demands, we welcome the FGS request for a limited and new multilateral mission to provide protection
of strategic population centres and key Mogadishu and Federal Member State infrastructure (airports,

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 ports) which will permit space and time for SNAF to establish and build on base foundations and
conduct offensive operations at the “Now” and “Next” juncture.

13. We recognize that sustaining territorial gains in counter-terrorism operations demands increased
resources for broader stabilization efforts and targeted aid to newly liberated communities should be a
priority for Somalia.

14. Improvements in the economy and revenue administration will enable a more capable and financially
affordable security sector. We welcome the steps taken by FGS in the prioritization of the Somalia
Security Sector Development plan with consideration to affordability and recognize the significant
financing gaps and support needed to build the capabilities of the SSF.

We seek to align our support to Somalia’s priorities and will develop partnership principles to aid
in the coherence, transparency, coordination and support of a capable, accountable and affordable
Somali security sector

15. We acknowledge the need for the FGS to lead in coordinating partners around national structures and
mechanisms. Recognizing the need for greater sustainability, there should be a gradual shift in the
modalities, marked by greater focus on increasing use of country systems, with FGS meeting agreed
requirements to enable this, and building the capacity of national institutions to deliver trainings or
provide logistical support.

16. The FGS and partners remain steadfast in their commitment to furthering these strategic plans in
achieving the overarching goals of lasting peace, security, and prosperity for Somalia.

ENDORSED