The UN Security Council on Thursday voted to maintain an arms embargo on Somalia over strong objections from its government, saying that the al-Shabaab “terrorist group” still seriously threatens peace and stability in the region, and sanctions are needed to degrade its activities.
The resolution, which also expresses concern at the continued presence of affiliates of the Islamic State group in the Horn of African nation, was approved by a vote of 11-0, with Russia, China, Gabon and Ghana abstaining in support of the call by the Somalian government, backed by the African Union, to lift the arms embargo.
The British-drafted resolution does modify the arms embargo to reflect the government’s progress in improving its management of weapons and ammunition.
This includes allowing Somalia to import portable surface-to-air missiles, higher-caliber mortars, anti-tank guided weapons, combat drones, some aircraft and vessels designed or modified for military use, and combat drones for use by its security forces and police — unless the Security Council committee monitoring sanctions objects within five working days of receiving notification from the government.
British Deputy Ambassador to the UN James Kariuki said the benchmarks identified following a recent technical assessment highlighting Somalia’s progress provide “a clear roadmap … that will help this council make further changes to weapons and ammunition measures in the future.”
“The steps made today will simplify processes for Somalia and its partners, and help speed up the journey,” Kariuki said.
The resolution keeps in place the codified arms embargo, a ban on the sale or transfer of key components of improvised explosive devices that al-Shabaab has used, a ban on the import and export of Somalian charcoal that was a key money-earner, and travel bans and asset freezes on individuals threatening peace and associated with al-Shabaab, including by financing or facilitating its activities.
The Security Council imposed the arms embargo on Somalia in 1992 to cut the flow of weapons to feuding clan-based warlords who toppled then- Somalian president Mohamed Siad Barre the previous year, plunging the country into civil war.
Somalia in 2012 established a functioning transitional government and has been working to rebuild stability in the face of militant attacks and one of the worst droughts the country has experienced that has brought thousands to the brink of famine.
The government of Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been engaged in a new offensive against al-Shabaab, including efforts to shut down its financial network.
US Deputy Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood expressed hope that the government would continue to make progress on the benchmarks, allowing for further easing of the arms embargo.
The sanctions regime adopted on Thursday is tailored to support and enable “robust action” by the government to combat al-Shabaab, including by depriving the group of its financial resources, Wood said.
He urged all countries to implement sanctions and deprive al-Shabaab of the ability to access funds and weapons.
Somalian Ambassador to the UN Abukar Osman expressed “deep dissatisfaction” with the extension of the embargo and praised the four countries that abstained for not supporting it.
The embargo, which is the longest UN sanctions regime, is hindering efforts to rebuild the country’s security forces to counter al-Shabaab, Osman said.
The army used “a major portion” of its armaments during engagements with al-Shabaab in the past four months and as a result of the arms embargo renewal, “our hands are tied in the fight against the ruthless enemy at this most critical time,” he said.
Osman said that people killed by Somalia’s “terrorist groups” are asking why lifting the arms embargo is a threat to international peace and security while other countries are being armed to defend their territory and people.
“This unjust and unfair double standard is preventing the government of Somalia to legally obtain military lethal equipment to rebuild its national army,” he told the council.
Kenyan Ambassador to the UN Martin Kimani, whose country has also been targeted by al-Shabaab, supported the resolution, but urged an eventual end to the embargo.
“The partial arms embargo in Somalia cannot exist in perpetuity, as it is counterproductive and adversely affects the capability of the federal government to eradicate the existential threat posed by al-Shabaab,” Kimani said.
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