Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Abdirahman Dahir Adan, called for an urgent reevaluation of the United Nations’ decision to lift the arms embargo on Somalia, citing its destabilizing impact on the Horn of Africa. The minister’s remarks, posted on the X platform and reported by the Somaliland News Agency (SOLNA), highlight growing concerns over the proliferation of weapons in the region.
“The UN’s decision to lift the arms embargo on the failed state of Somalia has led to severe consequences and widespread instability,” Minister Adan stated. He argued that, contrary to expectations that the decision would bolster peace and stability, it has instead empowered extremist groups and undermined regional security. “Far from fostering stability, this move has fueled arms proliferation and emboldened groups like Al-Shabaab, posing a grave threat to the Horn of Africa,” he added.
The minister pointed to recent incidents, including the seizure of significant quantities of weapons by Al-Shabaab and clan militias in central Somalia, as evidence of the embargo’s failure to achieve its intended goals. A notable case in Aabud Waq, where local militias intercepted two truckloads of weapons, including machine guns and assault rifles, underscores the risks of uncontrolled arms flows.
Somaliland has consistently opposed the lifting of the embargo, which was enacted in December 2023 by UN Security Council Resolution 2714. Somaliland warns that the lack of robust arms control mechanisms has exacerbated regional tensions.
Minister Adan urged the international community to act swiftly to address the crisis. “We call on the UN and global partners to urgently reassess this decision and implement measures to prevent further destabilization,” he said, emphasizing the need for stronger oversight to curb the spread of weapons to non-state actors.
The statement comes amid heightened concerns over Somalia’s ability to secure its arms stockpiles, with reports indicating that 35-40% of weapons imported after the partial lifting of the embargo in 2013 ended up on the black market.
The UN Security Council has yet to respond to Somaliland’s call, but the issue is likely to spark renewed debate over the efficacy of the embargo’s lifting and its implications for regional stability.