UN Security Council Extends Sanctions on Al-Shabaab in Somalia

UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. Security Council on Friday unanimously approved a resolution extending sanctions against the al-Shabaab militant group in Somalia, setting the new expiration date for Feb. 28, 2025.

The measure, introduced by Britain, was adopted by all 15 council members. It maintains the authorization for maritime interdictions to enforce an arms embargo, a coal export ban, and restrictions on materials for making improvised explosive devices.

The sanctions, which also encompass travel bans and asset freezes on al-Shabaab members, continue to be enforced.

Somalia, in the Horn of Africa, has been battling persistent insecurity, primarily from al-Shabaab and ISIS affiliates. Al-Shabaab has been fighting the Somali government and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) since 2007, with the latter mission backed by both the African Union and the U.N. Security Council.

Al Shabaab controls swaths of central and southern Somalia, where it implements governance and collects taxes. It regularly attacks government-controlled areas, including the capital, Mogadishu.