Today's Edition
AHMED SHAABAN (CAIRO)
Political analysts in Somalia and experts on African affairs have commended the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) decision to lift the 30-year arms embargo on Somalia, describing it as a timely action that empowers the Somali armed forces in their fight against terrorism.
The Security Council’s Resolution No. 2714, issued recently, ends the embargo that has been imposed since 1992, while continuing sanctions against the terrorist group Al Shabaab. The resolution also imposes an arms ban on other entities that undermine peace and security in Somalia.
Dr. Yasin Said, a Somali political analyst, believes that removing the restrictions and arms embargo paves the way for establishing a strong, well-armed army, akin to other global military forces. He views this as a positive step towards enhancing defence capabilities.
However, Said emphasised the need for caution to prevent the misuse of arms in internal conflicts, which could escalate violence.
In a statement to Aletihad, Said highlighted the significance of weaponry for the Somali army, noting that it will give it an advantage.
However, he warned that Al Shabaab seeks to spread extremist ideologies to maintain a presence. Thus, he added that Somalia must also focus on the ideological battle against the movement alongside the military effort.
The decision, according to Said, strengthens national identity and overall capabilities, and its success hinges on using this opportunity to bolster security and stability, without enabling extremist groups.
Salah Halima, Vice President of the Egyptian Council for African Affairs, echoed these sentiments.
He noted that the decision was both expected and awaited, based on the Somali forces’ level of training and competence, enabling them to conduct effective military operations against Al Shabaab. He remarked that these forces had successfully pushed the movement to the far south and confined it to limited areas.
Ambassador Halima, in his statement to Aletihad, stressed the importance of this decision in filling the vacuum that may result from the ongoing gradual withdrawal of the African Union Transitional Mission in Somalia.
He acknowledged the challenges in completely eliminating Al Shabaab due to their specific ideology and vision. However, he anticipates a reduction in their military capabilities and terrorist operations or resistance to the Somali armed forces.
He said that the UNSC’s decision was based on the successful operations of the Somali armed forces, predicting that its results will be even more evident in 2024.
