By Dawan Africa - Reporter
New York(Mogadishu24)-The United Nations Security Council lifted the long-lasting arms embargo on Somalia on Friday after 31 years since its imposition in 1992, a move in which the Federal Government of Somalia described as historic one with celebrations.
Fourteen countries approved the resolution to lift the arms embargo on Somalia, with only France abstaining from casting a vote.
The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, announced the UN decision to lift the ban and extended congratulations to the Somali people for this huge achievement.
“I would like to inform and congratulate the Somali people that the arms embargo on Somalia has been lifted and we will not have such ban again. This came after Somalia great effort and achievements that were considered by the Security Council. Indeed, this has been the longest ban on arms in the history of the United Nations,” President Hassan said.
He stated that Somalia has achieved international safety standards and restored its functioning institutions, leading to the lifting of the ban on weapons.
“The Security Council voted to lift the ban after analyzing and confirming that Somalia has met the international standards in weapons management and control. The council has also considered our political and institutional transformations and reforms,” he added.
The President further mentioned that this move will allow Somalia to purchase weapons, and borrow advanced weaponry to fight against Al-Shabaab.
“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 purchastheof weapons by individuals rather than the government.”
The government of Somalia collapsed in 1991, followed by a long civil war and tribal warlords that led to the destruction of government institutions.
In 1992, the United Nations Security Council imposed the arms ban on Somalia as a means to reduce civil wars leading to huge lose of human lives.
Over the years, Somalia has achieved important progress towards stability and governance despite facing threats of insecurity from terrorist groups.
Over the years, Somalia has made substantial progress towards establishing stability and governance, despite facing security threats from Al-Shabaab terrorists group.
Experts and analysts state that the lifting of this ban will enhance Somalia’s military power and capabilities to combat insecurity and maintain its national security.
This comes a week after Somalia was officially been admitted to the East African Community at the 23rd Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State in Arusha, Tanzania.
