The UN Security Council has renewed sanctions on the Somali militant outfit Al-Shabaab, imposing restrictions on the group’s access to weapons and financing.
The 15 members of the Security Council agreed that “all States shall, for the purpose of preventing Al-Shabaab and other forces intent on destabilizing peace and security in Somalia and the region from obtaining weapons and ammunition, implement the measures required to prevent the supply of weapons, ammunition and military equipment to Somalia.”
The council also agreed that these measures shall not be extended to deliveries or supplies to the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia, the National Intelligence and Security Agency, the Somali National Army, the Somali Custodial Corps and the Somali National Police Force.
The representative of African countries in the Security Council supported the Council’s decision “because we continue to ascribe importance to these elements in the fight against Al-Shabaab”. However, such regime should be evaluated to determine its ability to support the Government’s efforts to fight the group.
The United Kingdom’s delegate expressed
“This resolution retains a powerful package of sanctions designed to further degrade Al-Shabaab, disrupt its finances, strengthen international collaboration, and support Somalia in building its own capabilities.”
The adopted resolution also acknowledges the particular situation posed by flows of weapons from Yemen to Somalia. Al-Shabaab’s ties to the Houthis are part of a broader pattern of Houthi destabilising movement beyond Yemen’s borders.
Speakers also voiced concern for the flow of weapons from Yemen to Somalia, with France stating the movement disregards the relevant arms embargo. “It is vital to prevent Al-Shabaab from establishing and exploiting ties with groups under sanctions in the region — including the Houthis,” he emphasized.
The delegate from the United States expressed worry about growing links between Al-Shabaab and the Houthis. He encouraged discussion between the Yemen and Al-Shabaab sanctions panels and governments in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula “to shed light on and ultimately sever the ties between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab.”
If fully enforced by Member States, the steps in this resolution will deprive Al-Shabaab’s and other non-State actors’ accessibility to funds and weapons required to carry out attacks. “We urge our fellow Council members to support additional designations, including those of Al-Shabaab operatives,” he also said.
“Al-Shabaab’s capacity to radicalize, recruit, raise funds through extortion and piracy and acquire weapons needs to be disrupted,”
Pakistan’s representative said.
Ongoing humanitarian assistance and assistance for economic development of Somalia is essential in order to combat the root causes of terrorism.
“Combating the evil of terrorism would need a concerted regional and international effort,”
he emphasized.
