UN Extends Sanctions on Al-Shabaab to Combat Illegal Arms Trade in Somalia

The UN Security Council has extended sanctions on Al-Shabaab until December 2025, focusing on illegal arms imports and charcoal exports. The sanctions aim to prevent arms deliveries to the militant group while supporting Somalia’s government. Concerns regarding arms flow from Yemen and Al-Shabaab’s ties to the Houthis have prompted calls for international cooperation and additional sanctions against Al-Shabaab operatives.

The United Nations Security Council has unanimously decided to extend sanctions on Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-linked militant group in Somalia, until December 2025. This extension particularly addresses illegal arms imports and charcoal exports, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to prevent weapons deliveries to Al-Shabaab while allowing supplies to the Somali government and relevant security forces. This decision reaffirms the Council’s commitment to enhancing efforts against the group and supporting Somalia’s capability-building initiatives.

The resolution calls on all member states to take necessary actions to stop the flow of arms, ammunition, and military equipment to actors undermining peace in Somalia. The Council acknowledged the problematic arms movement from Yemen, noting Al-Shabaab’s connections with the Houthis, which represent a regional security threat. Furthermore, the UK highlighted the sanctions as essential to degrading Al-Shabaab’s capabilities and disrupting its financial resources while fostering international collaboration.

Member states expressed concerns regarding the flow of weapons from Yemen to Somalia, with several representatives stressing the importance of preventing Al-Shabaab from leveraging regional ties with sanctioned groups. The United States has urged for additional sanctions against Al-Shabaab operatives and for diplomatic dialogue to address the growing relationship between Al-Shabaab and the Houthis in Yemen. However, the Russian representative suggested addressing the Yemen issue independently to effectively develop regional security measures.

The draft resolution includes provisions that accommodate Somalia’s aspirations regarding the review of the sanctions regime, which has been in place since 1992. Stakeholders emphasized the need for a united effort against terrorism while stressing the importance of humanitarian assistance and economic development in Somalia to combat the root causes of radicalization and violence. The collective aim is to disrupt Al-Shabaab’s operations, including recruitment and fundraising activities, bolstering regional stability.

In conclusion, the UN Security Council’s extension of sanctions against Al-Shabaab demonstrates a continued commitment to curtailing the militant group’s activities in Somalia. The unanimous resolution underscores the need for international cooperation to prevent illegal arms supplies while supporting legitimate security efforts in the country. Concerning regional dynamics, attention is drawn to the flow of weapons from Yemen, necessitating a strategic approach to address associated threats and bolster Somalia’s governmental capabilities.

Original Source: www.garoweonline.com