The United Nations Security Council, situated in the United States, lifted the complete arms embargo on Somali government forces on Friday, while maintaining sanctions against the Al-Shabab jihadist group.
The UN had initially enforced a broad arms embargo on Somalia in 1992, but has progressively relaxed it concerning Somali forces. Despite this, the embargo did not restrict the supply of weapons for the development of Somali security forces. However, notification to the UN committee overseeing the sanctions was necessary, and objections could be raised regarding specific heavy weaponry.
In a unanimous decision on Friday, the first resolution abolished the general embargo, eliminating the final constraints imposed on the Somali government. Subsequently, a second resolution reinstated the arms embargo on Al-Shabab, continuing the prohibition on supplying weapons, ammunition, and military gear to the Islamist group and any other entities aiming to disrupt peace and stability in Somalia.
Somali ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman expressed approval for these actions, stating, “The lifting of the arms embargo enables us to address security threats, including those posed by Al-Shabab.” He further added, “It also empowers us to enhance the capabilities of the Somali security forces by gaining access to lethal arms and equipment, thereby adequately protecting our citizens and nation.”
Despite notable advances, Somalia’s campaign against Al-Shabab has halted for several months, prompting concerns about the government’s ability to suppress the 16-year insurgency led by Al-Qaeda-affiliated militants.
The Somali army, in collaboration with clan militias, received support from troops belonging to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in reclaiming extensive territories. UN resolutions stipulate that the ATMIS force should be reduced to zero by the end of the forthcoming year, transferring security responsibilities to the Somali army and police.
Nevertheless, the government requested a three-month “technical pause” in the withdrawal of 3,000 troops in September. The reduction of these troops “will conclude as scheduled on December 31, 2023,” according to the Somali representative, affirming the government’s commitment to assuming security responsibilities within the agreed-upon timelines.