By Michael O’Kane

The UK has updated its guidance on Somalia sanctions to reflect changes following United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2713 (2023).

The updated guidance points to licences that may be granted for the “export, making available, transfer, supply or delivery” of items specified in Annexes A & B of UNSCR 2713 (2023) with respect to the prohibitions on:

• the export, making available, transfer, supply or delivery of military goods, military technology, IED component goods or IED component technology; and
• the provision of technical assistance, financial services, funds, and brokering services relating to military goods or military technology.

The guidance also highlights derogations set out in UNSCR 2713 (2023) relevant to the prohibitions on enabling or facilitating the conduct of armed hostilities (Regulation 36 of the Somalia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020). Where weapons, ammunition or military equipment are intended solely for the support of, or use by, certain groups (e.g. the Somali National Army or UN personnel), the prohibition may not apply (see paragraphs 4, 33, 34 and 35 of UNSCR 2713 (2023)). When applying for a licence, applicants should make clear if they think these derogations apply to them.

Source: globalsanctions.co.uk