Explanation of Vote by Sweden at the UN Security Council Adoption – Somalia-Eritrea Sanctions

Mr President,

Sweden welcomes the adoption of the resolution before us this morning although we regret that the Council was unable to reach consensus on it. We supported this resolution as we believe it is important to continue backing the wider effort to bring peace, stability and prosperity to the Horn of Africa, as well as to address challenges and disputes in the region.

With regard to Somalia, this sanctions regime continues to play a critical role in supporting the international effort to defeat Al Shabaab, through averting the flow of illicit arms and preventing the group from raising funds.

Our continued strong support to the Somali peace- and state-building process is crucial, so as not to imperil the political and security gains already made. There is still a long road ahead for Somalia, with many important tasks remaining. The international community and the Somali people must stay the course in keeping up momentum and build on what has already been achieved.

Mr President,

Turning to Eritrea. As a Council we need to continuously assess whether measures are achieving the Council's objectives. Sanctions are not an end in themselves, but a means to an end. We welcome that, in this resolution, the Council clearly states its readiness to regularly review the measures on Eritrea, as Eritrea takes steps towards a deepened cooperation with the Sanctions Committee and the international community as a whole.

We take due note of the fact that the Monitoring Group, in consecutive reports, has not found any evidence of Eritrean support for Al Shabaab. It is essential that Eritrea cooperates with the Committee and the Monitoring Group so that this encouraging statement can finally be verified. Based on this, the Council can initiate a review of the sanctions regime.

The present situation regarding several border situations continues to put regional stability at risk and hampers regional cooperation and development. As the resolution makes clear, all member states in the region have a responsibility to refrain from destabilizing acts, and to work towards peace and prosperity on the Horn of Africa.

Thank you.