| Submit your comments on this article |
| International-UN-NGOs |
| Somalia Clears Outstanding Dues to the UN After 35 Years, Regains Voting Rights |
| 2025-02-26 |
| [ShabelleMedia] Somalia has cleared its outstanding financial dues to the United Nations ...an idea whose time has gone... , ending 35 years on the Security Council’s list of countries in arrears and marking a significant milestone in the nation’s diplomatic resurgence, officials announced Monday. The payment, finalized this month, removes Somalia from a roster of nations prohibited from voting in the UN General Assembly due to unpaid contributions. The list, which has historically included countries facing economic or political challenges, imposes restrictions under Article 19 of the UN Charter, barring delinquent members from participating in key votes until their debts are settled. Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, hailed the development as a testament to the country’s commitment to reestablishing its standing in the international community. In an interview with the state-run Somali National News Agency, Fiqi said the settlement reflects years of effort by the government to stabilize its finances and strengthen ties with global institutions. "This achievement is a clear signal of Somalia’s determination to fully engage with the world," Fiqi said. "For the first time in decades, we will take our place as a voting member of the General Assembly, contributing to decisions that shape our shared future." The Horn of Africa nation, long plagued by civil conflict and economic instability, had accrued the debt over decades amid successive governments’ struggles to maintain fiscal stability. Officials did not disclose the exact amount of the settled dues, but Somalia’s return to good standing with the UN underscores a broader push toward recovery under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration, which has prioritized governance reforms and international cooperation since taking office in 2022. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric welcomed Somalia’s payment during a briefing at the organization’s headquarters in New York, calling it "a positive step" for both the country and the UN. "We look forward to Somalia’s active participation in the General Assembly," Dujarric said, declining to comment on other nations still in arrears. Somalia’s reinstatement comes at a pivotal moment, as the country seeks to amplify its voice on issues like climate change, security, and development—challenges that disproportionately affect the region. Analysts say the move could also bolster Somalia’s bids for foreign investment and aid, signaling reliability to donors and partners. For many Somalis, the news offers a rare moment of optimism. "This is about dignity," said Amina Hassan, a 34-year-old teacher in Mogadishu. "It’s not just about money—it’s about showing the world we’re moving forward." Somalia last voted in the General Assembly in the late 1980s, before the collapse of its central government in 1991 plunged the nation into chaos. With this payment, completed as of Feb. 24, 2025, Somalia joins a growing list of countries emerging from prolonged isolation to reclaim their roles on the global stage. |
| Posted by:trailing wife |
| #1 so not all the USAID bribes got stopped? |
| Posted by: Mercutio 2025-02-26 08:47 |