History as UN Security Council lifts Somalia's decades-long arms embargo

Stuart Price/AU-UN IST/AFP

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Federal Republic of Somalia will now have express authority to purchase arms without much restrictions, the United Nations Security Council [UNSC] has approved, ending three decades of misery, which significantly impacted the country's ability to tackle armed and violent extremist groups.

On Friday night, the Security Council overwhelmingly voted to lift the decades-long arms embargo, with 14 members supporting the resolutions while France opting to refrain from the vote. It is not clear why Paris, a major security stakeholder in the Horn of Africa, chose to abstain.

The embargo was imposed in January 1992 at the height of the civil war. Somali officials earlier described today’s vote as “historic", while underscoring the fact that the move will immensely give the country freedom to deal with complex security challenges without depending on partners.

In a statement, Somalia's Foreign Affairs ministry lauded the move as a "significant" milestone in the fight against terrorism, noting that "every contribution of members was monumental". The decision, it said, would bolster Somalia's effort to pursue peace and stability.

"The lifting of the arms embargo is a testament to collective efforts and unwavering commitment of the international community to support Somalia in its pursuit for lasting peace," read the statement. "This crucial development will significantly bolster the capabilities of the Somali National Army, enabling it to acquire necessary equipment in the fight against Al-Shabaab."

"As we move forward, the Federal Republic of Somalia remains dedicated to working collaboratively with the international community to build a safer and more secure future for our nation," the ministry added while acknowledging the immense support from members of the international community.

In a recorded speech, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud commended the government's efforts in securing this breakthrough, emphasizing its role in strengthening Somalia's defense capabilities and advancing the fight against terrorism.

The Ministry of Defence, which is directly responsible for the security and safety of Somalia said the milestone achievement will "significantly bolster our efforts in the fight against Al-Shabaab, enhancing our national defense capabilities to ensure greater security and stability in Somalia".

The council put the embargo on Somalia in 1992 to cut the flow of weapons to feuding warlords, who had ousted dictator Mohamed Siad Barre and plunged the Horn of Africa country into civil war.

The 15-member body adopted two British-drafted resolutions on Friday, diplomats said – one to remove the full arms embargo on Somalia and another to reimpose an arms embargo on the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab group.

One of the draft resolutions spells out that “for the avoidance of doubt, there is no arms embargo on the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia”.

It also expressed concern about the number of safe ammunition storage facilities in Somalia and encouraged the construction, refurbishment, and use of safe ammunition depots across Somalia. It urges other countries to help.

The Somali National Army has been on the offensive mode against Al-Shabaab across the country, relying on support from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] troops and the US Africa Command, given the restrictions imposed on the government in terms of weapons purchase power.

Despite the restrictions, the Somali National Army has managed to liberate several towns previously held by Al-Shabaab, showing potential should it get access to sophisticated weapons. The offensive is now set to target Jubaland and Southwest states in the coming months.

GAROWE ONLINE