UN envoy draws attention to progress in Somalia despite challenges

The UN secretary-general's special representative for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, on Tuesday called on the UN Security Council to note of progress in the horn of Africa country, including a better functioning governance, despite challenges, such as the threats posed by Al-Shabaab in the region.

Kay, briefing the 15-nation Security Council via video conference from Addis Ababa, highlighted UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's latest report on Somalia, and said while it is too soon to celebrate definitive success in Somalia, the international community must look at the progress made in the country, including a better functioning governance, political dialogue and efforts to counter violent extremism.

Despite some progress, Kay said he remains concerned about the security in the country and the threats posed by Al-Shabaab in the wider sub-region. He urged council members to monitor closely and be able to respond to any sign that Al-Shabaab is benefiting from their links to extremist groups in Yemen.

The Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Shabaab said Sunday that it has captured a drone which fell down in the Bay region of Somalia. The militants said they were in possession of the drone which they claimed belonged to the United States after it came down near El Bashir village.

The humanitarian situation in Somalia remains alarming with 730, 000 Somalis still unable to meet their most basic daily food needs.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the humanitarian appeal for Somalia is only 20 percent funded so far this year. Endite