By Dawan Africa - Reporter
Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-Somalia, a country grappling with prolonged security threats from the Al-Qaeda affiliated terrorist organisation, Al-Shabaab, has now entered a new post-embargo era that allows the government to purchase and access weapons.
The Somali Government and politicians welcomed the United Nations Security Council’s decision to lift the arms embargo on Somalia and impose similar sanctions on Al-Shabaab.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said that the move will support Somalia’s state-building efforts, maintain peace and stability, and promote its economic development.
“Now, Somalia can access weapons, buy them from other countries, and borrow weapons from our friends so that we can defeat the terrorist group,” he stated.
He added, “But as a government, we will make sure that we control and manage the flow of weapons, aiming to reduce misuse and illegal purchase of weapons by individuals or entities rather than the government.”
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre expressed his approval of the UN Security Council’s decision to end the 31-year arms embargo on Somalia. PM Barre congratulated the Somali people on this historic move, emphasizing its significance for rebuilding security forces and ensuring national security.
He stated the decision paves the way for the government’s increased capacity to take over security, including responsibility from AU forces ATMIS, and in the fight against Al-Shabaab terrorists organisation.
“I would like to share that the UNSC has lifted the decades-long arms embargo. I congratulate the entire Somali people for their resilience and hard work. Somalia is now empowered to leverage its capabilities in eradicating threats posed by groups like Al-Shabaab. This decision will be followed by the complete relief of debts from Somalia, which is also a key pillar to our stability,” PM Hamza said.
Former Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharma’arke stated that the decision by UNSC would rebuild Somalia’s National Forces with a professional army.
“The decision to lift the arms embargo by UNSC is a major step to rebuild capable national forces that can defeat Al-Shabaab and retake the responsibility of our security. This also comes with a major responsibility to build a professional army free of any personal objectives,” Former Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharma’arke said on X post today.
Office of the National Security describe the decision to be historic, saying that Somalia took a historic step towards peace and progress. “Big milestone that signals a new era of sovereignty.”
The National Security Advisor to the President of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hussein Sheikh Ali, reaffirmed that Somalia meets international standards for managing weapons as required by the UN Security Council.
The National Security Advisor stated that Somalia will have access to any weapons following the lifting of the Arms Embargo which would enhance Somalia’s military power and capabilities to combat insecurity and maintain its national security.
“From December 1st, Somalia will have access and permission to purchase any arms as long as it is guided by government security measures. We are confident that we can manage and control the entry of weapons into our country, and our political and institutional progress has convinced the UNSC to lift the ban imposed on Somalia three decades ago,” said Hussein Sheikh Ali, the National Security Advisor to the Somali President.
He added, “Our access to weapons will strengthen the ability of our armed forces to eliminate Al-Shabaab, and maintain peace and stability in the country.”
Director of the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency, Mahad Salad, also welcomed the UN decision and said it came at a very critical time.
“This decision came at a very crucial time for us as a country and people as we are at war eradicating Al-Shabaab and as we build forces capable of the security of the whole country, having complete weapons and could guarantee national security,” Director Mahad said.
Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resource, Mr. Abdirizak Omar Mohamed, described the UN decision as a huge milestone for Somalia in establishing peace and stability in the country.
“The UNSC’s decision to lift the arms embargo is welcome news and a huge milestone for Somalia. This allows us to acquire weapons in the fight against Al-Shabaab terrorists and establish peace and stability in Somalia. The trolls spreading a dystopian future for Somalia are only doing so,” Minister Abdirizak said.
On Friday, the United Nations Security Council lifted the long-lasting arms embargo on Somalia after 31 years since its imposition in 1992, a move the Federal Government of Somalia described as historic with celebrations.
Over the years, Somalia has made important progress towards establishing stability and governance, despite facing security threats from the Al-Shabaab terrorist group.
Last week, Somalia was officially admitted to the East African Community at the 23rd Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State in Arusha, Tanzania.
