The Security Council will hold a meeting tomorrow to discuss the situation in Somalia. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud will attend, and the meeting will be chaired by Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, the UAE's Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Briefings will be given by Catriona Laing, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the Special Representative of the AU Commission Chairperson for Somalia, and Cindy McCain, the Executive Director of WFP.

Laing is expected to discuss her recent engagements with Somali leaders and the progress in implementing the government's priorities. She may highlight decisions made by the National Consultative Council, including adopting a one-person, one-vote electoral model. Laing may also express concern about political tensions in Puntland and ongoing conflicts in Las Anod between Puntland and Somaliland.

The threat posed by Al-Shabaab is likely to be a focus of the discussions. Recent attacks by the group, including on an ATMIS base and a hotel in Mogadishu, demonstrate their continued capabilities. Laing may mention the Frontline States initiative, aimed at countering Al-Shabaab, and the need for the Somali government to accelerate the implementation of the Somalia Transition Plan and National Security Architecture.

Souef is expected to discuss the support provided by ATMIS in the fight against Al-Shabaab and the planned drawdown of ATMIS personnel. He may emphasize the importance of the Somali government's efforts to assume security responsibilities and integrate regional forces into the national security forces. Souef may also raise funding challenges ATMIS faces and the need for sustainable funding until the mission's expected disbandment in December 2024.

President Mahmoud is likely to call for lifting the arms embargo imposed on Somalia and discuss the country's readiness to assume security responsibilities. He may mention cooperation with frontline states in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

Based on her field trip to the country in May, McCain is expected to focus on the impact of climate change on the humanitarian situation in Somalia. She may highlight several countries' joint pledges related to climate, peace, and security.

Council members are likely to condemn the attacks by Al-Shabaab and express support for Somalia's efforts to combat terrorism. They may call for accelerating the Somalia Transition Plan and National Security Architecture. The renewal of the ATMIS mandate, which expires on June 30, is also expected to be discussed, with a draft resolution currently being negotiated.

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