The UN Security Council has extended sanctions on Al-Shabaab until December 2025, concentrating on illegal arms imports and charcoal trafficking. The resolution mandates all states to prevent arms delivery to Al-Shabaab while allowing legitimate supplies to the Somalian government. Ongoing assessments of the sanctions regime are expected, particularly in relation to weapons flow from Yemen.
The United Nations Security Council has decided to extend sanctions against the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabaab, with an emphasis on illegal arms imports and charcoal exports. This resolution is effective until December 2025 and renews the mandate of the Panel of Experts aiding the sanctions regime until January 2026. All member states are required to take precautions to limit Al-Shabaab’s access to weapons, while ensuring that the federal government of Somalia receives necessary military supplies.
The resolution passed unanimously, with the Council emphasizing that the arms embargo against Al-Shabaab does not impede deliveries to the Somali government, which recently had its own arms embargo lifted. The Council noted the importance of continually assessing the impact of the sanctions on the Somali government’s efforts to combat Al-Shabaab. The Secretary-General is tasked with evaluating the arms embargo and reporting by November 2025, which will guide future sanctions reviews.
Speakers from the Council highlighted the comprehensive sanctions package aimed at further debilitating Al-Shabaab’s operations, disrupting its funding sources, and fostering collaboration among international entities. Concerns were raised regarding the transfer of weapons from Yemen to Somalia, with calls for coordination among the relevant sanctions committees to tackle this issue effectively.
The US representative called for further designations against Al-Shabaab operatives and initiated a dialogue between regions to address the challenges posed by this group. Russia opposed the merging of Yemen issues with Al-Shabaab discussions but acknowledged the ongoing efforts to limit non-state actors’ access to weaponry. Pakistan emphasized the need for humanitarian initiatives and economic growth in Somalia to counter the factors breeding terrorism.
The UN Security Council has reinforced its sanctions against Al-Shabaab, focusing on arms imports and sovereignty violations. While supporting Somali governmental efforts, the mandate for a comprehensive review ensures that current strategies remain effective against changing dynamics, particularly concerning arms flows from Yemen. A unified international approach combined with local governance support is deemed essential in combating Al-Shabaab’s influence.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
