In spite of strong resistance from Somalia’s administration, the United Nations Security Council voted to sustain an arms embargo on the nation, asserting that al-Shabab continues to present a significant danger to regional tranquility and stability and that penalties are necessary to weaken its operations.
The decision was taken on Thursday with a tally of 11-0, with abstentions from Russia, China, Gabon, and Ghana in favor of the Somali government’s request, supported by the African Union, to lift the arms embargo. The resolution additionally conveys concern regarding the persistent presence of ISIL (ISIS) affiliates in the Horn of Africa nation.
The arms embargo is altered by the British-drafted resolution to consider the government’s progress in enhancing the management of arms and munitions. In the absence of objections from the UNSC committee overseeing sanctions within five working days of receiving notice from the government, Somalia may procure portable surface-to-air missiles, higher-caliber mortars, anti-tank guided munitions, certain aircraft and vessels engineered or modified for military applications, and combat drones for deployment by its security forces and police.
The benchmarks set following a recent technical evaluation emphasizing Somalia’s advancement, according to James Kariuki, the deputy UN envoy for the United Kingdom, provide “a clear pathway… that will assist this council in implementing further amendments to weaponry and ammunition regulations in the future.”
“The measures taken today will simplify procedures for Somalia and its allies, and assist in expediting the progress,” he stated.
The resolution retains the established arms embargo, a prohibition on the sale or transfer of critical components of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that Al-Shabab has utilized, a prohibition on the importation and exportation of Somali charcoal, an essential income source, and travel restrictions and asset freezes on individuals who threaten peace and are linked to Al-Shabab, including by providing financial aid or facilitating its operations.
To halt the influx of weapons to rival clan-based leaders who deposed Somalia’s president Mohamed Siad Barre the previous year and ignited a civil war, the UNSC enforced an arms embargo on Somalia in 1992.
Since establishing a functioning transitional administration in 2012, Somalia has been striving to restore stability despite armed assaults and one of the most severe droughts the country has ever experienced, which has driven thousands to the brink of starvation.
Under the guidance of newly elected President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the administration of Somalia has initiated a renewed offensive against al-Shabab, including efforts to disrupt its financial networks.
Robert Wood, the deputy envoy for the US, expressed hope that the administration would continue progressing on the standards, paving the way for further relaxation of the arms embargo.
He asserted that the sanctions framework established on Thursday is intended to assist and empower the government to take “decisive action” against al-Shabab, including by depriving the group of its financial resources. He urged all nations to implement sanctions and deny al-Shabab access to funding and arms.
