Somalia pushes for lifting of arms embargo as civilians go for Al-Shabaab

Soldiers in the Somali ‘National’ Army complete their training (UN Photo Library).

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia has yet again urged members of the international community and the United Nations to consider lifting the arms embargo, arguing that the time has come for the world to have a robust debate over the matter for the sake of stability.

For decades, Somalia has had attempts to have the UN lift the arms embargo but all in vain, given the instability which is largely caused by Al-Shabaab and other local militia who are keen to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government, which is yet to set systems for proper functioning.

Recently, the United Nations Security Council rejected the push to lift the arms embargo slapped against the Horn of Africa nation, claiming that the move could further escalate insecurity within the country. Somalia did oppose the move, citing various formidable reasons.

And Abshir Omar Jama, the country's minister of Foreign Affairs, says it's upon the world to now have a genuine debate and lift the arms embargo, which he maintains was working against the stability of the country. The minister adds that the ban is unnecessary.

"It is important at this time to talk about the arms embargo on Somalia and remove it," said the minister, in a statement that could be motivated by the ongoing crackdown against Al-Shabaab militants, which has seen several local militia groups assist the government.

Mohamed Abdi Ware, former HirShabelle president, expressed his admiration for the local militia, especially in the Hiiraan region, who have been assisting the government to eliminate Al-Shabaab. The local militia is behind the liberation of key towns within the Galgaduud, Hiiraan, and Bay regions.

"The people of Hiiraan are not a war of choice. They are in a war of survival. Existential. It would help if other clans joined the fight and liberated their areas. But failure to do does not mean we will give up. Never. To say otherwise is to give aid and comfort to Shabaab. Stop it," he says.

"With Shabaab’s setbacks in the frontlines (and more to come), they will resort to desperate and cowardly attacks on cities. Ironically, very soon, one might be safer on the frontlines than in fancy city cafés. Let’s finish off this menace while we have the momentum."

The United Nations Security Council has regulated the purchase of weapons in Somalia owing to the fact that Al-Shabaab could take advantage and further destabilize the country. Al-Shabaab militants control huge swathes of rural central and southern Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE