Somalia to focus on strengthening army

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The government of Somalia will focus on strengthening the national army following the lifting of the arms embargo by the United Nations Security Council, a senior security advisor has said, adding that the country now has a perfect opportunity to defeat Al-Shabaab.

In a statement, Hussein Sheikh Ali, the national security advisor, said the country will invest in the national army to make it competent and competitive in handling security matters. Somalia, he said, will acquire sophisticated weapons.

"The lifting of the arms embargo will empower the Somali government to build and strengthen its security forces, which is essential for maintaining stability and combating extremist groups," he said. "With the ability to acquire necessary arms and weapons, Somali security forces can better defend against threats to the country’s peace and security, including terrorism and insurgency."

"This increased capacity will not only help protect Somali citizens but also contribute to regional stability by preventing the spillover of insecurity and violence across borders," added the presidential security advisor.

Somalia has been under an arms embargo since 1992 It was initially imposed as a response to the civil war and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country at the time. This was after the ouster of military ruler Siad Barre.

Following the collapse of the central government, the conflict in Somalia escalated, resulting in widespread violence and mass displacement. The primary objective of the arms embargo was to curtail the flow of weapons into Somalia and prevent further worsening of the conflict, he said.

"There was unfettered access and supply of weapons to various armed groups, warlords, and militia at the time and the decision by the United Nations was part of the international efforts to de-escalate the conflict and create an environment conducive to peace and stability," Ali said.

"While the embargo served a clear purpose at that time, the lifting of the embargo now reflects the concrete progress Somalia has made in its efforts to rebuild and establish a functioning government. It is equivalent to reclaiming our sovereignty and status among the community of nations and states," he added.

The country is currently involved in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants on various frontlines, with anticipation that by December 2024, the group will have been defeated. Al-Shabaab has lost several frontlines forcing a number of them to defect to the government by downing their weapons.

GAROWE ONLINE