Wed 28 Jun 2026 {HMC} Somalia on Monday presided over the United Nations Security Council for the first time since 1972, chairing a high-level signature event focused on the promotion of the rule of law.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had been expected to chair the meeting. However, his planned trip to New York was cancelled due to severe weather conditions in the United States. As a result, Somalia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman Baale, chaired the Council session.
The meeting was held under the agenda item “The promotion and strengthening of the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security.”
In a statement, the Permanent Mission of Somalia to the United Nations said the session marked a historic moment for the country.
“Somalia presided over the Council for the first time since 1972 in its high-level signature event on the rule of law. For the betterment of all peoples and future generations, we must breathe new life into the UN Charter matching words with deeds and recommitting to the rule of law among nations,” the statement said.
The meeting was briefed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Abdulqawi Yusuf, a former judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Participants discussed the role of the Security Council and other UN organs in promoting and upholding the international rule of law. Several speakers urged the Council to fully implement its mandate under the UN Charter and take concrete action to promote compliance with international law. Calls were also made for reform of the Security Council and for strengthening other UN institutions working on rule-of-law issues.
According to a concept note prepared by Somalia, the objective of the meeting was to reaffirm the importance of the international rule of law in maintaining international peace and security, and to identify practical ways to strengthen it.
Somalia holds the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council for January 2026, marking its first time leading the Council since its 1971–1972 term. Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman is presiding over Council activities during the month, with a focus on reinforcing multilateralism and respect for international law.
Source Hiiraan online
