I. Introduction
1. The present report is submitted pursuant to the statement by the President of the Security Council of 31 October 2001 (S/PRST/2001/30), in which the Council requested me to submit quarterly reports on the situation in Somalia. The report covers developments since my previous report, dated 17 November 2008 (S/2008/709), and focuses, in particular, on political developments and progress made in the Djibouti peace process. The report includes relevant information on peacebuilding efforts and the security, humanitarian and human rights situations, as well as the operational activities of the United Nations agencies and programmes in Somalia. As requested by the Council in paragraphs 5 and 6 of its resolution 1863 (2009), the report also outlines progress made towards the strengthening of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), support to the Somali security and rule-of-law institutions and contingency planning for the possible deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation.
II. Main developments in Somalia
A. Political developments
2. Since my previous report, there have been a number of developments in Somalia, notably the resignation of the President, Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, and the subsequent election of Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed as his successor.
3. In line with the commitments made under the Djibouti agreement, on 26 October 2008 members of the Transitional Federal Government and the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia (ARS) adopted, at a meeting of the High-level Committee, a joint declaration on the establishment of a unity Government and an inclusive Parliament. In November 2008, the High-level Committee agreed on further modalities to enhance political cooperation. To this end, the two parties established a working group to engage on details of the unity structures.
4. In November 2008, the Joint Security Committee developed detailed proposals to strengthen the work of the High-level Committee, in particular with respect to the implementation of the agreement on the cessation of armed confrontation, signed on 26 October 2008. The Joint Security Committee established a working group for the integration and realignment of the Somali Police Force and agreed to develop detailed plans for the formation of interim joint security forces and command structures. The Joint Security Committee also agreed to establish a verification and monitoring mission, with headquarters in Mogadishu, to promote a comprehensive ceasefire. However, lack of financial and logistical support is delaying progress in all areas. Immediate support for the Somali Police Force and the Joint Security Force is vital to securing the political and security gains made in the peace process.
5. Early in December, members of ARS, led by Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, returned to Mogadishu for the first time in two years to commence the implementation of the Djibouti agreement. The delegation was warmly received at Mogadishu airport by representatives of the Transitional Federal Government, ARS supporters and the local population.