Arms embargo on Somalia still on, UN Security Council rules

NEW YORK - The United Nations Security Council voted Thursday to maintain an arms embargo on Somalia amid a strong objection from its government. UN cited that the Al-Shabab is still a threat to peace and stability in the region and sanctions are needed to continue.

The other factor that the UN security council raised was the continued presence of affiliates of the Islamic State extremist group in the Horn of African nation which was approved by a vote of 11-0.

Both Russia, China, Gabon, and Ghana abstained in support of the call by the Somali government, backed by the African Union, to lift the arms embargo.

The UK-drafted resolution does modify the arms embargo to reflect the government’s progress in improving its management of weapons and ammunition.

These embargos include the ability of Somalia to import portable surface-to-air missiles, higher-caliber mortars, anti-tank guided weapons, combat drones, some aircraft and vessels designed or modified for military use, and combat drones for use by its security forces and police — unless the Security Council committee monitoring sanctions objects within five working days of receiving notification from the government.

Britain’s deputy U.N. ambassador James Kariuki said the benchmarks identified following a recent technical assessment highlighting Somalia’s progress provide “a clear roadmap … that will help this council make further changes to weapons and ammunition measures in the future.”
“The steps made today will simplify processes for Somalia and its partners, and help speed up the journey,” he said.

The administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is seen to have taken an offensive elected has been engaged in a new offensive against Al-Shabab, including efforts to shut down its financial network.

Robert Wood -U.S. deputy ambassador expressed hope that the government will continue to make progress on the benchmarks, allowing for further easing of the arms embargo.

Somalia’s U.N. Ambassador Abukar Osman expressed “deep dissatisfaction” with the extension of the arms embargo and praised the four countries that abstained for not supporting it.

He warned that the arms embargo, which is the longest U.N. sanctions regime, is hindering efforts to rebuild the country’s security forces to counter Al-Shabab.

The army used “a major portion” of its armaments during engagements with Al-Shabab in the last four months, Osman said, and as a result of the arms embargo renewal, “our hands are tied in the fight against the ruthless enemy at this most critical time.”

Osman said victims of Somalia’s “terrorist groups” are asking why lifting the arms embargo is a threat to international peace and security while other countries are being armed to defend their territory and people.

“This unjust and unfair double standard is preventing the government of Somalia from legally obtaining military lethal equipment to rebuild its national army,” he told the council.

Kenya’s UN -Ambassador Martin Kimani of Kenya supported the resolution, saying the Security Council had taken “a strong stand together against terrorism.”

Martin also urged an end to the arms embargo. “There is little doubt that the battlefield conduct and the determination of the Somali forces and government will in short order lead to the dropping of the embargo. The partial arms embargo in Somalia cannot exist in perpetuity, as it is counterproductive and adversely affects the capability of the federal government to eradicate the existential threat posed by Al-Shabab.”

GAROWE ONLINE