By Hon. Hassan Ugas MP
In January 1992, Security Council Resolution 733 established an arms embargo on Somalia in reaction to the ongoing conflict and deteriorating humanitarian situation. Subsequent resolutions amended multiple times eased the restrictions and allowed the importation of some specific weapons and other related materials to combat terror organizations.
For instances, UN resolution 2111 permitted supplies of some military equipment to Somali government for the purpose of developing and enhancing Somalia’s security institutions while banning the sale of chemicals such as some farm fertilizers remained intact.
Finally, in December of 2023, the UN Security Council lifted the arms embargo to Somalia unanimously adapting resolution 2714. The proponents of this resolution posited at the time that this will tip the balance of power in favor of the Somali army forces against the terrorist group of Alshabab . While opponents countered that lifting the arms in its totality is premature and should be conditioned as Somalia lacks the wherewithal to ensure the safe keep and use of the arms.
The fear to some critics was that by allowing more heavy weaponry to the undermanned Federal government can cause uneasiness in the fragile nation building efforts. Others were concerned by having these advanced weapons can embolden the Federal Government which in turn may bully Federal Member States using force and subdue democratically elected institutions that they deem opposite of their political stance.
Testament to this is the recent deployment of Somali army forces to peaceful Raskiamboni region.
The provocative action of the Federal Government threatens Jubaland State Government forcefully taking peaceful territories and using unconventional forces against the state forces. The Federal Government action displaced the State Adminstration and local JSF forces while giving Al-shabab an opportunity to destabilize the border region between Kenya and Somalia.
Jubaland’s government policies may not align with the policies of FGS’s current leadership but poses no security risk to Somalia. Jubaland Administration sees the airlifting of heavy equipment and men to the territory a cause for concern and declaration
Due to the severity of the situation, some are already asking the international community and UN organizations to rescind the lifting of the arms embargo for Somalia or at a minimum temporarily reimpose the arms embargo until Somalia has a fully functioning government that has the means and willpower to manage its affairs accordingly.
Also, prominent Somali politicians and other well-wishers fear that current state of Somali affairs threatens the unity of Somalia and may cause further disintegration of the nation (ale, Somaliland).
Recommendations:
1. Immediately establish and reopen communication channels between FGS and Jubaland leadership
2. Transfers SNA forces in Raskiamboni to AS held territories such as Jilib, Buale and Afgooye as this will bridge the gap of mistrust.
3. Negotiate in good faith without preconceived demands
Hon. MP Hassan Ugas (majeerteen)
Email: ugasshassan@yahoo.com
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