New York (SD) – The United States says it has spent $ 5.3 billion on security in Somalia alone over the past 20 years.

The US ambassador to the UN, Cherith Chalet, addressed the Security Council, noting that the large sums of money and the lack of results in Somalia are not at all acceptable.

“The United States is, and will continue to be, a close partner of Somalia. With more than $5.3 billion in bilateral foreign assistance over the last 20 years, we are working alongside the Somali people in support of improved food security.” Said the Ambassador.

The ambassador also said that the country’s transition plan is behind schedule and needs to be implemented.

“We do remain concerned, however, that implementation of key elements of the Somalia Transition Plan are behind schedule. We urge all parties to take the necessary steps to accelerate the transfer of security responsibilities to Somali military and civilian authorities.’ Said Ambassador Cherith Chalet.

Despite the monies spent on Somalia’s security, development and humanitarian aid, the country’s population feels that their needs and the international community’s needs were never properly addressed.