(02-12-23) MOGADISHU (HN) — The United Nations Security Council on Friday unanimously passed Resolution 2714 (2023), effectively lifting the arms embargo on the Federal Government of Somalia. This resolution, adopted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, signifies a major shift in the international community’s stance towards Somalia’s ongoing security developments.
The embargo, initially imposed by Resolution 733 (1992), was lifted in recognition of Somalia’s considerable progress in implementing its security transition, the Somalia Transition Plan, and its national security architecture. The Council has mandated the Federal Government of Somalia to rigorously implement its national weapons and ammunition management strategy and continue the professionalization and capacity-building of its security and police institutions.
The Council also calls upon the Federal Government to ensure that imported weapons, ammunition, and military equipment are strictly used by authorised national forces and licensed private security companies. The UN Mine Action Service will offer technical advice and capacity-building support to assist Somalia in this endeavour.
Harold Adlai Agyeman of Ghana, speaking also on behalf of Gabon and Mozambique, emphasized Somalia’s crucial role in the peace and stability of the African continent. He lauded Somalia’s achievements in weapons and ammunition management and stressed the importance of continued efforts to limit the access of illicit arms to groups like Al-Shabaab.
However, Anna M. Evstigneeva of the Russian Federation, while welcoming the resolution, expressed her country’s longstanding concerns regarding temporary sanctions regimes in African States and their impact on national security agencies. She noted the absence of the Djibouti-Eritrea dispute in the resolution and called for the consideration of Russian proposals regarding unilateral coercive measures.
Representatives from Japan and the United Arab Emirates voiced their support for the resolution, viewing it as a step towards adapting sanctions regimes to the on-the-ground realities in Somalia. They emphasized the importance of continued international support for Somalia’s journey towards peace and economic recovery.
China’s Dai Bing, though supportive of the resolution, criticised its continued restrictive measures on Somalia, particularly the requirement for the Federal Government to report on imported arms. He highlighted the double standards in the resolution, pointing out special exemptions granted to certain Western countries.
Representing Somalia, Abukar Dahir Osman welcomed the resolution as a crucial development for his country’s security. He affirmed Somalia’s commitment to upholding human rights and peace and stressed the importance of a holistic approach to achieving sustainable security and prosperity.
Halqabsi News
