Somalia Seeks UN Help

Somalia's Defence Minister Ahmed Moallin Fiqi met with the United Nations deputy special representative for Somalia and humanitarian coordinator, George Conway, and UNICEF Representative to Somalia Sandra Lattouf, to discuss strengthening efforts to protect children affected by armed conflict.

The meeting focused on cooperation between Somalia's Defence Ministry, the United Nations and UNICEF as part of efforts to implement Somalia's national policy on the protection of civilians. The officials agreed on the importance of ensuring that the Somali government's responses and measures are accurately reflected in United Nations reports.

Funding to tackle acute malnutrition in parts of Somalia has dropped by more than 80% this year, with the United States cutting its support to aid agencies in Somalia from $70 million last year to no funding this year. One in four children screened in displacement camps in southwest Somalia is severely malnourished.

In a related development, the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups in Tanzania warned against sharing images or videos of vulnerable children, with offenders facing a fine of not less than 5m/- or imprisonment for six months, or both.

## What's at Stake The discussions between Somalia's Defence Minister and the UN and UNICEF representatives come as the country continues to face security challenges and promote greater stability in the region. The protection of children and civilians affected by armed conflict remains a key priority, with the Somali National Army making progress in protecting civilians and operating in accordance with national policies and international obligations concerning civilian protection.

The Somali government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening coordination with relevant institutions to improve the protection of children and civilians affected by armed conflict. The meeting also covered efforts to accelerate implementation of Somalia's National Action Plan on Children and Armed Conflict.

## Regional Context The meeting between Somalia's Defence Minister and the UN and UNICEF representatives takes place amid heightened tensions in the region, including clashes between forces aligned with Somalia's federal government and Puntland forces. The dispute is linked to longstanding political tensions between Puntland and the federal government, which have contributed to increased military activity in the city.

Somalia has also been strengthening its diplomatic and security partnerships with regional and international partners, including Pakistan, as it seeks to address security challenges and promote greater stability in the region. The country's ambassador to Djibouti met with Pakistan's ambassador to Djibouti to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation and regional security, with a focus on peace and security in the Horn of Africa.

In conclusion, Somalia's efforts to protect children from armed conflict and address security challenges in the region remain a key priority, with the support of the UN and UNICEF playing a crucial role in these efforts. The country's commitment to strengthening coordination with relevant institutions and implementing its national policy on the protection of civilians will be essential in promoting greater stability and security in the region.