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UN Security Council Passes Resolution on Somalia’s Arms Embargo

New York, USA - The United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution regarding the arms embargo imposed on Somalia since 1992.

Background and Voting Process

The vote was not unanimous, with several council members expressing reservations and abstentions over concerns about the implementation of the resolution and its impact on the situation in Somalia. The resolution allows for the gradual lifting of the arms embargo, subject to certain conditions being met by the Somali government. The council also decided to maintain the existing sanctions regime against Eritrea.

Reactions from Council Members

  • Somalia’s Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman: “We urge the Council to reconsider its stance on this matter and lift the embargo… The present state of arms capability imbalance between our national forces and the terrorist group is the direct cost of the Council’s arms embargo.”
  • China’s Ambassador Geng Shuang: “We abstained from voting on this text due to its double standards on the issue of exemptions to the arms embargo… We hope that the Somali government will take measures to enhance its capacity to manage arms and ammunitions and prevent weapons exempted by the Council from falling into the hands of terrorist organizations.”
  • Russia’s Ambassador Anatoly Antonov: “The decision reflects ‘double standards’ towards different terrorist groups. All terrorist groups must face the same standards.”

Key Points

  • The resolution was adopted with 12 votes in favor, China abstaining, and Russia opposed.
  • Kenya’s Ambassador Martin Kimani welcomed the resolution, saying it would help Somalia’s government to acquire more lethal weaponry to fight Al-Shabaab.

Next Steps

The African Union has also called for the lifting of the arms embargo, citing concerns over its impact on the country’s national security forces. The resolution is seen as a step forward in supporting Somalia’s efforts to counter-terrorism and stabilize its security situation. However, it remains to be seen how effectively the resolution will be implemented on the ground.

Meeting Details

The meeting began at 2:33 pm and ended at 3:10 pm.