Will Somalia’s lift of arms embargo re-evaluated after weapon smuggling?

FILE - Somali military force members supporting anti-government opposition leaders gather before leaving to their bases in Mogadishu, Somalia, on May 7, 2021

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The fighting in central Somalia which left over 15 people dead following a tussle over weapons seized from 'traders' could probably trigger questions on the recent lifting of an arms embargo on the Horn of Africa nation by the United Nations.

A section of local militia engaged the Somali National Army (SNA) in a fistfight, leading to the unfortunate deaths in Abudwak. This move was condemned by the federal government of Somalia, which is responsible for internal security.

Malik Abdalla, a federal legislator, said weapons seized in Abudwak were intended for Al-Shabaab to fight Macwiisley and the SNA on the frontlines. He praised locals for confiscating arms and urged the government to resign before mass protests similar to what is being witnessed in Kenya.

But the breakaway region of Somaliland, which is fighting for sovereignty and territorial integrity recognition, wants the United Nations to re-evaluate the decision to lift the arms embargo imposed on Somalia.

“We urge the international community to take immediate steps to address this crisis and prevent further destabilization of the region,” according to a statement by the states' breakaway region's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued on Tuesday.

The weapons are believed to have originated from Ethiopia and were on two trucks. Some of the confiscated weapons include “DshK and PKM machine guns, AK-47 assault rifles, pistols, and ammunition.”

Somalia’s Internal Security Ministry admitted the incident. It said government security forces initially seized the weapons from “illegal weapons traders” and were being escorted when local armed militias erected a checkpoint and intercepted the weapons.

Citing local sources, an official said "The local militias overpowered government forces after receiving reinforcements from clansmen.” The incident resulted in the death of 12 people, including two soldiers.

GAROWE ONLINE