Lasanood – (WDN) -The authorities in Northeast Somalia have announced a sweeping ban on the civilian trade of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment, in what officials describe as a decisive step to curb the spread of illegal arms and strengthen regional security.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Security, the government made clear that civilians are no longer permitted to engage in the sale or distribution of weapons under any circumstances. The importation and handling of arms, the ministry said, will now be strictly reserved for the administration itself.

The directive signals a tightening of control over a long-standing and largely unregulated  trade in arms, which authorities say has posed a persistent threat to public safety and stability. Officials warned that enforcement will be uncompromising. Anyone found in possession of, or trading in, illegal weapons will face strict legal consequences under existing laws.

Beyond the ban, the Ministry of Security also appealed to the public to play a more active role in safeguarding their communities. Citizens were urged to avoid activities that could undermine security and to cooperate closely with law enforcement agencies.

The statement emphasized that maintaining peace and stability is a shared responsibility, not solely the burden of the state. While such measures have been announced in the past, the latest declaration suggests a renewed urgency amid ongoing security concerns in the region. Whether the crackdown will translate into tangible reductions in illegal arms circulation remains to be seen.

For now, the message from authorities is clear: the space for civilian involvement in the weapons trade is closing—and those who ignore the warning risk facing the full weight of the law.

WardheerNews