UN Security Council sanctions top Al-Shabaab leaders

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United Nations Security Council has yet again sanctioned more Al-Shabaab leaders, in a strategy that conforms with Somalia’s fight against the militants, who control huge swathes of rural central and southern regions.

Somalia has devised both military and ideological approaches in the fight against the group, with international partners helping the country maintain order. The United Nations has invested in sanctions, which freeze the militants from accessing other parts of the world and opportunities.

Abdikadir Mohamed Abdikadir, a member of the group, topped the list of the latest victims of sanctions, with the UN Security Council blaming him for participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of Al-Shabaab

He was also accused of recruiting for or otherwise supporting acts or activities of Al-Shabaab or any cell, affiliate, splinter group, or derivative thereof. Mohamed is considered a threat to global security and a danger to the interests and safety of the 'universe'.

Also sanctioned has Mohamed Mohamud Mire, another Somali national who is linked to engagement or provision of support for, acts that threatened the peace, security, or stability of Somalia, including acts that threatened the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia, or threatened the Federal Government of Somalia or ATMIS by force

He was also linked to participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of Al-Shabaab, the statement published by Security Council read.

Mohamed Omar Mohamed was slapped with sanctions for participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of Al-Shabaab; and recruiting for or otherwise supporting acts or activities of Al-Shabaab or any cell, affiliate, splinter group or derivative thereof.

Somalia is fighting violent extremism and it is estimated that by December 2024, the militants would have lost substantive grounds in central and southern regions. The US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia are working closely with the Somali National Army in the fight against the group.

Internally, Somalia has closed several bank accounts and mobile money transfer firms that are associated with the Alshabaab group. Also, some websites which are linked to Al-Shabaab have been closed down for fueling the Alshabaab group.

GAROWE ONLINE