Despite opposition from the government, the UN upholds the Somali arms ban

Over the government of Somalia’s vehement objections, the UN Security Council agreed on Thursday to keep Somalia under a weapons embargo, citing the necessity for sanctions to weaken the operations of the Al-Shabaab “terrorist group,” which continues to pose a severe danger to regional peace and stability.

By a vote of 11-0, the resolution—which also expresses concern over the persistence of Islamic State extremist group affiliates in the Horn of Africa country—was approved in support of the African Union’s call for the Somali government to lift the arms embargo. Russia, China, Gabon, and Ghana chose to abstain.

The arms embargo is modified by the British-drafted resolution to take into account the government’s advancements in streamlining the administration of weapons and ammunition.

Unless the Security Council committee monitoring sanctions objects within five working days of receiving notification from the government, Somalia may 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.

The benchmarks established following a recent technical evaluation emphasizing Somalia’s progress, according to Britain’s deputy U.N. ambassador James Kariuki, offer “a clear path… that will allow this council make additional modifications to weapons and ammunition restrictions in the future.”

The actions taken today, he added, “will streamline procedures for Somalia and its allies and assist accelerate the progress.”

The resolution maintains the codified arms embargo, a ban on the sale or transfer of essential parts of improvised explosive devices used by Al-Shabaab, a ban on the import and export of Somali charcoal, a major source of income, and travel restrictions and asset freezes on people who pose a threat to the peace and are connected to Al-Shabaab, including by supporting or facilitating its activities.