By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has appealed to the United Nations Security Council to consider lifting an arms embargo placed on the nation, saying it no longer serves its purpose.
This appeal comes as al-Shabaab militants continue to constitute a threat to the country, taking control of large swathes of land and displacing thousands of families.
At a meeting with the UN Security Council on Thursday, Mohamud emphasized that his government had put in place measures to curb illicit distribution of firearms.
He said the government had established legislation to control the possession, manufacture, storage and use of firearms.
“I implore you distinguished delegates to support our call for the complete lifting of the arms embargo in Somalia,” he said. “By doing so, you will empower us to assert our sovereignty, effectively combat terrorism and build a peaceful and prosperous future for our nation.”
He noted the situation in Somalia had improved significantly, adding the Somalia of 2023 is not that of 1992, when the Security Council imposed the arms embargo.
Also speaking, the chief of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Mohamed El-Amine Souef noted there was a need for concerted international efforts to protect gains made over the years and ensure sustained pressure against al-Shabab.
“We must support SSF [Somalia Security Force] leadership, hold liberated areas and take over FOBs [forward operating bases],” he said. “These forces require resources to fight al-Shabab and stabilize newly liberated areas. This calls for the lifting of the arms embargo on Somalia.”
Somalia is in the middle of a military operation against al-Shabab. The federal government has said it is on course to launch the second phase of the offensive dubbed Operation Black Lion.
Unlike the first phase, which involved only the Somali army and clan militia, the second phase will enlist the support of additional troops from Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti, following an agreement among the countries in January.
