The UN Security Council has unanimously extended sanctions on Al-Shabaab until December 2025, focusing on weapons imports and charcoal exports. The sanctions aim to prevent the group’s access to arms and enhance support for the Somali government. Concerns over arms flows from Yemen and the group’s connections with the Houthis were emphasized, with calls for increased cooperation and assessment of the sanctions.
The United Nations Security Council has unanimously extended sanctions on Al-Shabaab, a militant group linked with Al-Qaeda, focusing particularly on illegal arms imports and charcoal exports. The sanctions will remain in place until December 2025, and the associated Panel of Experts will continue its mandate until January 13, 2026. The resolution, numbered 2776, emphasizes the need for all member states to prevent the supply of weapons and ammunition to Al-Shabaab, which undermines security in Somalia and the surrounding region.
The Council clarified that these sanctions do not impact the federal government of Somalia, whose arms embargo was recently lifted. Deliveries to Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency, national police force, and custodial corps are also exempt from these measures. Following the vote, representatives from Guyana and other nations expressed support for the ongoing sanctions, recognizing their importance in the fight against Al-Shabaab while calling for an assessment of their effectiveness.
The British delegate highlighted that the resolution is designed to disrupt Al-Shabaab’s financial base and enhance international cooperation to support Somalia in developing its capabilities. It specifically acknowledged concerns regarding the trade of weapons from Yemen to Somalia, which is seen as exacerbating the situation. There were calls to enhance coordination between the sanctions committees in monitoring and countering this arms flow.
Various representatives voiced alarm over the connections between Al-Shabaab and the Yemeni Houthi group. The U.S. urged for integrated dialogue across the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula to tackle these issues proactively. However, a representative from the Russian Federation suggested that the situation in Yemen requires separate contemplation from the sanctions considerations.
Pakistan’s delegate underscored the need to disrupt Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities, stressing that ongoing humanitarian aid and economic support are vital to combating terrorism genuinely. The broad consensus among Council members indicates a collective resolve to unite in addressing the various facets contributing to terrorism in the region.
The UN Security Council’s extension of sanctions against Al-Shabaab reflects a united effort to combat the militant group’s threats to peace in Somalia. By addressing arms flows and enhancing support for Somalia’s government, the Council aims to undermine Al-Shabaab’s operations. Member states are encouraged to engage in further cooperation and assessment of the sanctions’ efficacy going forward.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
