The UN Security Council has extended sanctions against Al-Shabaab until December 2025, focusing on preventing arms imports and illegal charcoal exports. The Council mandates member states to take measures against arms deliveries to Al-Shabaab while exempting the Somali government and specific security forces. Concerns about arms trafficking from Yemen were raised, emphasizing international cooperation to combat terrorism and support Somalia’s stability.
The United Nations Security Council has unanimously decided to extend the sanctions against Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-linked militant group in Somalia, focusing on illegal arms imports and charcoal exports. These sanctions will remain in effect until December 2025, alongside a renewed mandate for the Panel of Experts tasked with monitoring the sanctions until January 2026.
The resolution mandates that all UN member states take necessary measures to prevent Al-Shabaab and other destabilizing forces from acquiring weapons and military supplies while allowing the Somali federal government to receive arms, given its recent arms embargo lift. Deliveries to the Somali National Police, National Intelligence and Security Agency, and the Somali Custodial Corps are also exempt from these sanctions.
Several members of the Council expressed their support for the resolution, emphasizing the critical nature of these measures in combating Al-Shabaab. The representative from Guyana, alongside others, welcomed the Secretary-General’s mandate to assess the arms embargo’s relevance and provide a report by November 2025.
The United Kingdom representative highlighted that the resolution aims to further diminish Al-Shabaab’s power, disrupt its financing, and enhance international collaboration for Somalia’s security. The issue of arms trafficking from Yemen to Somalia was raised with particular concern regarding Al-Shabaab’s links to the Houthis, calling for close ties between relevant sanctions committees.
Other nations voiced similar concerns over the arms flow from Yemen, with France stressing the need to prevent Al-Shabaab from forming connections with sanctioned groups in the region. The United States representative echoed these concerns, advocating for dialogue to address the growing ties between Al-Shabaab and Yemeni Houthis and urging for additional designations of operatives.
Conversely, the Russian Federation’s representative suggested that the Yemen issue should be treated independently, reiterating the importance of considering the perspectives of African nations regarding sanctions against regional terrorism. Pakistan’s delegate underscored the necessity to disrupt Al-Shabaab’s operations, such as recruitment and financing, while advocating for continued humanitarian assistance to address the underlying causes of terrorism.
Overall, the resolution seeks to reinforce the sanctions against Al-Shabaab, highlighting international solidarity and the urgency to monitor arms flows that could hinder the peace and stability in Somalia.
The UN Security Council’s decision to extend sanctions against Al-Shabaab emphasizes a commitment to combating terrorism in Somalia. With a focus on disrupting the group’s capacity to acquire weaponry and finance its operations, the resolution also acknowledges the importance of continued support for Somalia’s government and security forces. Member states are encouraged to collaborate closely to address the concerns regarding arms trafficking from Yemen, and the provision of humanitarian assistance remains vital to resolving the roots of terrorism.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
