Situation in Somalia

Topic: 2025-Situation in Somalia
Country: Republic of Korea
Delegate Name: Nico Mocker

The Republic of Korea recognizes the humanitarian crisis in Somalia as a threat to international peace and human rights. Fighting between Somalia’s government and the armed group Al-Shabab has resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties and has pushed almost 650,000 people to flee the country as refugees. This violence has been indiscriminate, particularly affecting women and children. This crisis has been exacerbated by a series of ecological challenges. Several consecutive years saw below-average amounts of rain, resulting in acute food shortages across the country. 4.4 million people faced high levels of food insecurity in 2024, and children in particular suffered during these food shortages.
The Republic of Korea has a long history of standing up to defend and support the international community. In 1993, Korea sent a 250 person engineering unit as part of the United Nations Operation in Somalia II. This mission provided assistance with construction of critical infrastructure such as road repair and the building of irrigation canals. Since then, the Republic of Korea has supported the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the ensuing transition to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). These missions have been instrumental in helping Somalia move towards a more peaceful and stable future.
The Republic of Korea is dedicated to continuing its support of peace globally by contributing to UN aid in Somalia. In 2024, we contributed 12.5 million US dollars to the African Union and were the 12th largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget. We plan to continue our support of the AUSSOM and its highly effective hybrid model, which ensures both adequate funding and increased security. We will prioritize compliance, financial oversight, and accountability throughout the process of funding this operation for peace in Somalia. Through our support of AUSSOM and other global peacekeeping efforts, the Republic of Korea remains dedicated to forming strong international connections and aiding in areas of humanitarian crisis and need.

Topic: 2025-Situation in Somalia
Country: United States of America
Delegate Name: Manya Tijoriwala

SIMUN
Topic: 2025-Situation in Somalia
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Manya Tijoriwala
Since the late 1970’s conflict in Somalia has been imminent and dangerous to all of the people of the country. One of Somalia’s military conflicts has been with the Al-Shabaab military group which pledged its loyalty to al-Qa’ida in 2012. Since then, the group has worked long and hard to overthrow the federal government of Somalia and establish a fundamentalist Islamic State. Additionally, other ISIS-Somalia terrorist groups in the Country threaten the stability of Somalia, making it difficult for the Country to see success.
The United States is aligned with the Federal government of Somalia to reach economic stability, ensure that terrorism is prevented, and aid and resolve the humanitarian crisis. We have classified the Al-Shabaab group as a terrorist organization that poses a threat to humanity. Since the early 2000s, the United States has provided military support to the Federal government of Somalia, and following the September 11th attacks, we justify Military involvement as counterterrorism. In late 2020, many troops were removed, however, in May of 2022, U.S. soldiers were redeployed to combat new Al-Shabaab insurgents.
Expanding on relations between the United States and Somalia, there have been bilateral relations dating back to the 1990s. Donating over 1.2 billion dollars a year to Somalia, we want to ensure economic growth, increase security, and help aid in peace and stability. We are also proud supporters of Resolution 2719, a resolution that provides a framework for the UN to support peacekeeping operations, provide life-saving operations to Somali troops, and aid the humanitarian crisis. The United States also supports a plan that targets droughts, focuses on contingency planning, and aids specific groups of marginalized people.

Topic: 2025-Situation in Somalia
Country: People’s Republic of China
Delegate Name: Chloe Falkenstern

Understanding the history of the Federal Republic of Somalia is crucial to understanding where it stands in the modern world. While under colonial rule, the division of the territory into five separate parts created a division between people. Military regimes in the region allowed the Europeans to be more brutal towards natives and continued a cycle of poverty and decline in the territory. After declaring separation from the colonization of British and Italian authority, the region of Somalia was met with political division, necessary humanitarian aid, and a lack of stability for their recently developed government. In the 1990s, the fall of the Siad Barre leadership created a division between the people after the War of Ogaden against Ethiopia. A civil war ensued, allowing outside forces to intervene, one being al-Shabaab. As a fundamental Islamic state, the group pledged allegiance to al-Qa’ida to completely overthrow the current Somali government.
The People’s Republic of China is one of the Somali state’s closest allies, which supports the Somali government in its endeavors to unite itself with the uncontrollable Somaliland. Somalia was also the first East African country to recognize China as a diplomatic partner. In 1971, China supported Somalia’s efforts to expel many foreign countries from their borders and developed the projects incomparably started by these countries. Chinese economic aid was some of the highest given to the region, and many projects developed in the Somali-Chinese partnership created “The Somali North-South Road”. This project created the opportunity for development in Somalia, including the creation of roads, hospitals, and factories. In the present, Somalia and China have maintained strong relations despite instability in the region, and Chinese support for the government has only increased.
On September 6, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed the Somali president to China for the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Topics discussed at the forum included the current state of Somalia and the integration of Somaliland as a core part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. China takes a strong position of support of the Somali state, as it suffers the same issue of lack of unity through Chinese territories. China has pledged its continued alliance with the Somali people through conferences, diplomatic relations, and an approach to the African region. China condemns the al-Shabaab, as it does not recognize the unilateral declaration provided for the establishment of Somaliland, and the undermining the group creates towards the current Somali government is an unforgivable act. Ongoing political turmoil and internal conflict between tribes has caused famine and created a humanitarian crisis that must be resolved. This discourse can be directly attributed to both the al-Shabaab and the history of the country, and as such the al-Shabaab are seen as an unnecessary force in Somalia
As a result, China proposes a solution where three key points are met. First, Somalia is allowed their rightful territory of Somaliland. As a self declared territory, Somaliland disrupts the balance of central government for the Somalis, and creates unnecessary anxiety through the populous with terrorist activities and pirating. Second, Somalia should be able to govern the tribes of their country. While division is a large issue, Somalia must close the gap and provide solutions for a united peoples to help those who may need it. Third, Somalia should be provided with relief to help prevent humanitarian crisis and start a government run solely by those in elected positions.
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2.3 Somalia Road Network | Digital Logistics Capacity Assessments. (n.d.). https://lca.logcluster.org/23-somalia-road-network
Chinese to increase aid to Somalia. (n.d.). https://web.archive.org/web/20110524111053/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost_historical/access/137018422.html?dids=137018422:137018422&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=APR+21,+1978&author=&pub=The+Washington+Post&desc=Chinese+to+Increase+Aid+to+Somalia&pqatl=google
Post, S. C. M. (2024, December 19). China stands behind Somalia amid US push for Somaliland recognition. Yahoo News. https://www.yahoo.com/news/china-stands-behind-somalia-amid-093000156.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAChpQU3HdquMEaK_KCJrO8qEansGpSGrL2i-MiPmu_ZtDvp_EtSa22Z6CdMhTXZLHuTOinkSBsnZOM7Z1yW4FK1fy4L_KDdLU5W4hZTlMV4ZyyKbLeA7vzfAGk6gW-ojSEo0Z8ChnNoYEZYuZOJxSDc3hSiJw9KStZh3_7eP1Qzy
Xi Jinping Meets with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. (n.d.). https://www.mfa.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg_663340/fzs_663828/xwlb_663830/202409/t20240908_11487225.html

Topic: 2025-Situation in Somalia
Country: Russian Federation
Delegate Name: Victoria Reichel

The Russian Federation understands and acknowledges the critical security situation that Somalia is facing and is reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the sovereignty, stability, and territorial integrity of the Somali State. Somalia’s deep history of colonialism, different internal strife, and external interventions of sorts have added to its current situation of political instability and many security concerns. The Russian Federation will remain committed to supporting Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and efforts toward peace and higher developments.
Russia has engagement with Somalia comes back to the 1960s, following Somalia’s new independence. At that time the Soviet Union provided substantial support to Somalia’s military and economic state, which included a $32 million loan in 1962 to help modernize the Somali National Army. This was instrumental is strengthening bilateral relations and helping enhance Somalia’s defensive capabilities. However, these geopolitical dynamics shifted in the late 1970s. In 1977, following Somalia’s initiation of the Ogaden against Ethiopia, the Soviet Union made the decision to support Ethiopia, leading to the expulsion of Soviet advisors from Somalia in November of 1977. This time period started the downturn in bilateral relations, subdued until recently.
The Russian Federation recognizes the constant threat the Al-Shabaab is posing, an organization that is designated as a terrorist group by numerous countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. The activities Al-Shabaab commits undermine regional stability and hinder Somalia’s path to peace and development. In May of 2023, Russia extended an offer to support the Somali National Army in its fight against terrorist groups, reaffirming it’s commitment to Somalia’s security and sovereignty. This offer directly underscores Russia’s dedication to combating accounts of terrorism and helping to promote stability in the Horn of Africa.
Beyond the security cooperation, Russia has been very involved in addressing the humanitarian challenges that occur in Somalia, in July 2023, Russia granted debt relief amounting to over $684 million to Somalia, helping to facilitate the nation’s economic recovery and development efforts. Also, Russia is very attentive to the delicate regional dynamics that involve Somalia and its neighbors, especially Ethiopia’s agreement that was made with Somaliland that grants access to a naval port. Russia wants and advocates for a peaceful dialogue and negotiation to resolve such disputes, but also emphasizes the big importance of regional cooperation for collective security and prosperity.
The Russian Federation is reaffirming its’ unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty and their territorial integrity, as well as efforts toward peace and development. Russia remains committed to collaborating with the Somali government, their regional partners, and the international community to help address security challenges, provide humanitarian assistance, and promote the continuing economic development. Through these efforts, we can aspire to contribute to a stable, prosperous, and self-reliant Somalia.

Topic: 2025-Situation in Somalia
Country: Algeria
Delegate Name: Gozde Bayrak

Situation in Somalia has been an ongoing issue since the 1990’s. Somalia is confronted with a serious array of existing issues, including political instability, ongoing violence committed by militant groups like Al-Shabaab, and the devastating humanitarian tragedy consisting of famine and displacement. The United States of America has been active in the situation through military interventions, counter-terrorism operations, and humanitarian actions, driven by concern for regional stability as well as combating terrorism.The United Kingdom and Kenya have also played key roles in peacekeeping and providing military assistance in Somalia to curb extremism and stabilize the region. Ethiopia, with its proximity and security concerns, has been heavily involved, focusing on both counterterrorism and the stability of the Horn of Africa. On the other hand, Algeria advocates for a non-interference policy, favoring peaceful diplomatic solutions and negotiations.

Algeria has taken a cautious stance towards the Somali crisis, following a policy of non-interference in other nations’ internal matters. While Algeria has condemned the violence and unrest in Somalia, it has primarily been focused on an appeal for peace through diplomatic means. Algeria has historically placed a premium on the worth of political negotiation and African-led solutions, which is its more general foreign policy of advancing sovereignty and non-interference. Algeria provided its political support to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in 2013 without going as far as to commit troops directly into the fight. Algeria has contributed humanitarian assistance and interacted with regional peace enforcement missions via the African Union (AU) since then, however, and called for Somali elites to negotiate a political
settlement. The country has continued to be a firm advocate of the African Union’s intervention in peacemaking in African conflicts and urged the international community to strive for long-term stability and growth in Somalia rather than quick military intervention. 

Algeria has been an advocate of non-interference in the affairs of independent states, and we hold the view that stability can only be achieved through genuine political reconciliation. As Algeria we would to emphasize the need for Somali leaders to engage in comprehensive dialogue, whereby all parties, including regional governments and opposition movements, are involved in the decision-making process. In line with our general foreign policy, Algeria would help the African Union (AU) in assuming leadership of peacekeeping efforts so that the future of Somalia would be dictated by African efforts and solutions rather than relying on external military intervention. This would involve the consolidation of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) without direct military intervention by external forces. We would also like to call on the international community to prioritize long-term humanitarian assistance, development, and state-building, alongside peacekeeping. Through prioritizing diplomacy, national leadership of the peace process, and regional coordination, Algeria believes that Somalia can overcome its internal divisions and move towards durable peace and stability. Furthermore, Algeria promotes projects for economic development, education, and infrastructure building, which are necessary to avert the recurrence of extremist violence.

SOURCES:
https://apnews.com/article/somalia-usaid-trump-internally-displaced-people-
714b61139eea538201c6227bf491d914 
https://embnairobi.mfa.gov.dz/news-and-press-releases/algeria-somalia-explore-new-
horizons-for-partnership
https://peacekeeping.un.org/mission/past/unsom1backgr1.html
https://apnews.com/article/somalia-federal-forces-jubbaland-fighting-
ee77a6fa38e4acdf281a26c28e74570a

Topic: 2025-Situation in Somalia
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Neel Grover

The UK views the Somalia situation as a pressing geopolitical challenge with vast repercussions for regional stability and global security. Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab, al-Qaeda-linked militant group; the ongoing tensions with Ethiopia and Somaliland; and the sensitive transition of international security missions pose a challenge requiring deft, long-term international involvement.
The United Kingdom considers Somalia to be an important political region, marked by decades of instability, civil conflict, and the constant danger presented by extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab. Somalia’s location in Africa and its regional destabilization threat makes it a major UK foreign policy and global security concern. As a nation with an extensive diplomatic, humanitarian, and security involvement history, the UK was aware of Somalia’s challenges since independence in 1960, especially during the decades of governmental disintegration and international intervention. Somalia’s vulnerability to local clan conflicts, terrorist groups, and regional rivalries have made it a focus of UK diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, with the UK playing a critical role in the re-establishment of diplomatic presence. One such diplomatic effort was the reopening of its Mogadishu embassy in 2013, the first Western country to have done so since the civil war. This commitment reflects the UK’s long-standing interest in helping Somalia transition to stability, recognizing that the challenges Somalia face reach beyond its immediate borders and can have significant regional and international security effects.
Building on the UK and Somalia’s history of diplomacy, the UK has become vital in backing Somalia’s challenging transition to stable governance. Through investing over £77 million in aid through different trust funds and missions, such as significant contributions to the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) and the African Union Transition Mission (ATMIS), the UK has shown an extensive approach to solving Somalia’s complex issues. The UK’s involvement is not limited to economic assistance but also includes diplomatic mediation, security sector reform, and humanitarian assistance reflective of our mature appreciation of the region’s complex political situation.
The United Kingdom strongly believes that the strengthening of Somalia’s security forces is the cornerstone of long-term stability in the region. Al-Shabaab is still the most significant security threat, not only to Somalia, but also to the Broader Horn of Africa. Without a well-equipped and trained Somali security force, the Al-Shabaab could reclaim lost territory, undoing significant progress. The UK acknowledges the progress made by individual nations, along with the UN, but more must be done to ensure stability. The UK calls for an increase in non-lethal aid to Somalia’s security forces, including resources such as food rations, communication equipment, and tents. The UK also encourages working with allies such as the EU and US to expand military training for Somali forces, allowing them to have the proper capability to lead counterterrorism efforts.
Efforts beyond Military aid, like diplomatic mediation, are vital to ensuring Somalia’s sovereignty and stability in the region. The UK is deeply concerned by the rising tensions from Ethiopia’s recent unilateral strategic moves in Somaliland, which could further damage regional relations. To prevent further escalation, the UK strongly supports a formal UN or AU lead negotiation process between Somalia and Ethiopia, de-escalation tensions.
The United Kingdom emphasizes that implementing these measures is extremely important to further success. Strengthening Somalia’s Security forces and improving multilateral diplomacy are efforts that must both be used to improve instability and reduce conflict long-term.

Topic: 2025-Situation in Somalia
Country: Somalia
Delegate Name: Ethan Hess

Internal conflict has plagued Somalia since the 1960s when our nation gained independence, with various insurgent groups gaining influence in, and at points control over Somalia. In recent years Al-Shabaab was the main insurgent group within Somalia. After capturing their last stronghold at Kismayo and establishing The Federal Parliament of Somalia, a broader sense of stability was returned to the nation. That said, there are still many groups within Somalia that pose a threat to the country, including insurgent pockets that persisted in Operation Indian Ocean, and more notably the self-proclaimed nation of Somaliland in the north of Somalia that split off from Somalia in a war spanning the 1980s.

At present forces from Khaatumo SSC, an arm of the Somali government, conflict with forces from the Terrorist group that governs Somaliland, with aid from the African Union forthcoming. However, that aid has come into question by Somalia after the recent deal made between Ethiopia and the terrorist leaders of Somaliland. Recently representatives from Etheopia and Somalia reconciled these issues and Etheopia’s membership with the AUSSOM mission has been resumed, but this partnership could still be called uneasy. Another recent international incident affecting Somalia and its war against the Somaliland terrorists came on January 20th of 2025, when U.S. President Donald Trump, in an executive order lasting 90 days cut off foreign aid Somalia had been receiving through USAID. This aid has not been resumed despite calls from Somalia and NGOs working with those who are displaced and suffering within Somalia.

Somalia seeks the United Nations Security Council’s help in this coming conflict through two avenues, military aid and humanitarian. Last August the Security Council voted unanimously to support and approve the African Union’s Military assistance to Somalia, a decision we wish to see reaffirmed and expanded in its scope. Somalia also seeks to lobby members of the UNSC to commit UN funding as well as funds from their foreign aid budgets to the Somalia Humanitarian Fund, a fund increasingly vital to the people of Somalia with the recent withdrawal of United States foreign aid.

Topic: 2025-Situation in Somalia
Country: India
Delegate Name: Madelyn Lower

Committee: United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
Topic: Situation in Somalia
Country: India
Delegate: Madelyn Lower, New Prairie High School, New Carlisle, IN
The ongoing crisis in Somalia poses a significant threat to the security of the Indian Ocean region. Somalia continues to suffer lasting repercussions from centuries of colonization by Britain and Italy. Somalia was further exploited by both the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. This led to an inevitable civil war, ending with the overthrow of a military dictatorship, which created a power vacuum that allowed the rise of extremist Islamic terrorist groups. India recognizes the complex nature of the crisis and how it must be handled in a multifaceted approach. Due to its troubled history, Somalia is facing wide scale corruption, famine, and political instability that jeopardizes the peace and stability of the Indian Ocean region.
As the most powerful country in the Indian Ocean Region, India must set an example for the rest of the world in addressing the root causes of these conflicts. India feels a kindred connection toward the nation of Somalia, as India too has suffered conflict at the hands of decolonization and external interference throughout our storied history as a nation. The Republic of India chose to focus on creating economic, political, and social stability for the betterment of its people. India has a deep sense of pride in our cultural diversity; we are home to more than 700 tribes that comprise 8.6% of our population. Similarly, Somalia is divided into 5 different clans. India empathizes with Somalia’s struggles in navigating complex internal divisions and maintaining sovereignty under duress. The ongoing climate disruption and political turmoil have led to extreme famine, resulting in a humanitarian crisis that has given rise to terrorism and piracy, posing a threat to international security. The conflict has forced millions of Somalis to seek refuge in neighboring nations.
In response to the crisis in Somalia, India proposes the following recommendations and solutions. India is committed to investing in infrastructure, which includes the construction of schools, food banks, and factories for the Somalian people. These initiatives can enhance education, provide job opportunities, and boost exports, thus generating a greater GDP and providing greater economic stability. Previous international initiatives have been focused on combating piracy rather than stopping it at the root of the problem: political and economic instability. By shifting our approach to not just providing aid but also investing in the Somali economy, we can not only limit terrorism and piracy but also foster stability in the country.

Topic: 2025-Situation in Somalia
Country: Sierra Leone
Delegate Name: Lynn Meradi

Back Ground:
Somalia is facing current tensions with the boarding nation, Ethiopia, as well as internal struggles. Ethiopia and Somalia are currently facing territorial disputes over Somaliland. Ethiopia recently made a deal in 2024, to have naval port access in Somalia’s northern coast. This raised fears of an Ethiopian invasion, leading the Somalian government to call for a withdrawal of all Ethiopian troops. Furthermore, Somalia’s internal struggle for power against the military organization, Al-Shabaab, (which many countries consider a terrorist organization) has led to rising tensions. This organization grew power in 2006 and has been able to obtain enough power today to run its own government within Somalia, bringing in as much as $100-$150 million in taxes alone.
Multiple tribes in Somalia have been given weapons (by the Somali government) to defend themselves against Al-Shabaab. However, there have been multiple tribal militias that have turned against their villages and towns with their given weapons.
These situations have affected countries and multiple committees. An example is the United States, who have had a military presence in the country since the 1990’s. Along with multiple international groups trying to help Somalia, such as the United Nations Support Office. However these groups have led to civilian deaths, leading to distrust within Somalia’s population.
The United Nations recognizes the complicated situation and has plans to build up the Somali government, so that they can transition to the current stabilization mission, AUSSOM.

Policy:
Sierra Leone has been giving logistical, financial, and training support to Somalia’s security sector plan. Sierra Leone has also welcomed reforms supported by Somalia’s Federal Government to add an amendment to its constitution. This would be a critical point in State-Building, as the amendment calls for appointing women in senior Government positions to have a thirty percent quota, when it comes to decision making.
Moreover, Sierra Leone has contributed an immense amount of effort and contribution for Somalia to gain peace. An example of this is how the nation has deployed 160 trained police efforts from Sierra Leone’s Police Unit, to prepare for the peace making mission in Somalia.
As for any policies, resolution 2767 (2024) was passed. This entails financing AUSSOM and setting a framework for how the finances will be handled in the African Union peace support operations. The United Nations will contribute to secure predictable and stable financing for these peacemaking missions. Sierra Leone voted to pass this resolution with the “hybrid” implementation. This adds a “hybrid” option to the resolution where they make seventy five percent of the funding done by the UN assessed contributions and the twenty five percent will be covered by the African Union and the UN. The “hybrid” option of resolution 2767 was passed and is planning on being implemented on July 1 of 2025.

Proposal:
Resolution 2753, mandates transitional assistance mission for Somalia to the United Nations. The resolution passed unanimously by the security council, where the plan entails to have two phases. Phase one will end on October 31, 2025 and Phase Two is planning on ending on October 31, 2026. The resolution supports State-Building, conducting free and fair elections and there will also be a constitutional review process. Furthermore, there are plans to promote and protect human rights, rule of law, justice, and security sector support. The text also reads to have coordination of international donor support and the UN’s efforts in Somalia. The Somali government requested there to be two phases to aid the state-building process and to advance in Somali’s security sector plan.
Overall, Sierra Leone would like the United Nations to pass on their support through financial aid. Not to mention, holding up their end of the deal in these two resolutions in order to assist in the implementation of Somalia transition to AUSSOM in order to bring security to the country. Sierra Leone proposes that African Nations and countries on the world stage, such as America, to help implement these efforts, as they will be affected by the outcome of Somalia’s situation. These countries can come together to help aid financially and send out troops, just like Sierra Leone to assist the villages and tribes being troubled by the current wave of militias in the nation.

Position papers for SIMUN 2025 will appear above this line, with the newest being at the top.