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The United Nations is committed to nurture the development of State institutions and restore stability in war torn Somalia, UN Chief Ban Ki-moon told the Security Council on Thursday. He said the UN will move closer to the people of Somalia.

The United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) and the world body’s Country Team will focus on strengthening the capacities of Somali ministries, in addition to meeting with committees dealing with security arrangements and reconciliation, Ki-moon said.

“In each of these areas, the United Nations will continue its ‘light footprint’ approach in order to be closer to the Somali people and authorities,” he added.

In a country that has been in conflict for two decades, peace requires sustained efforts and a long-term strategy, he noted. The Secretary-General said the Organization is striving to ensure that its efforts in the country are coordinated.

The UN Chief promised to bring to the council considerations for an integrated UN operation in Somalia.

Despite humanitarian and security obstacles in Somalia, he noted that there are “glimmers of hope” in the war-ravaged country, pointing to the appointment of a new Prime Minister and the continued commitment of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to peace and reconciliation.

Somalia has been ravaged by factional warfare that has left more than two million people in need of humanitarian aid and driven 1.4 from their homes.

“Support to the TFG – its reconciliation efforts and its fight against extremism – will go a long way,” the Secretary-General said. “But the international community must act now if it is to make a difference.”