The UN Security Council has extended sanctions against Al-Shabaab until December 2025, focusing on arms imports and charcoal exports. The mandate for the Panel of Experts has been renewed until January 2026. The resolution calls for preventing the group from acquiring weapons while allowing the Somali government to continue receiving support. Concerns about arms flow from Yemen and Al-Shabaab’s ties with the Houthis were raised by various member states.
The United Nations Security Council has officially extended sanctions against Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated militant organization in Somalia, primarily targeting illegal arms imports and charcoal exports. This extension applies until December 2025 and concurrently renews the mandate of the Panel of Experts managing the sanctions until January 2026. The unanimous resolution emphasizes the need for all nations to prevent Al-Shabaab from acquiring weapons and military equipment, while ensuring the federal government of Somalia remains exempt from these restrictions.
Council members highlighted the importance of this sanctions regime in combating Al-Shabaab’s influence. The representative of Guyana, speaking on behalf of several nations, noted the necessity of reviewing the regime’s effectiveness in supporting the Somali government. She applauded the Secretary-General’s mandate to assess the arms embargo by November 2025, which could lead to further adjustments in the sanctions framework according to the government’s needs.
The resolution aims to undermine Al-Shabaab’s operations by disrupting its financial networks and enhancing international cooperation to bolster Somalia’s capabilities. The UK delegate pointed out the critical issue of arms flow from Yemen, stressing the need for close coordination between committees overseeing sanctions to mitigate this trend, which poses a significant threat to regional stability.
Concerns were also voiced about Al-Shabaab’s connections to the Houthis in Yemen, with France underscoring the necessity to thwart these ties to avoid further destabilization. The US urged for proactive measures and proposed additional sanctions against Al-Shabaab operatives to address the growing threat effectively. Conversely, the Russian Federation advocated for a separate consideration of the Yemen situation.
The draft reflects the interests of Somalia regarding a forthcoming review of the long-standing sanctions regime, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of African nations’ positions in relation to terrorists operating in their territories. Pakistan’s representative reinforced the importance of disrupting Al-Shabaab’s fundraising and recruitment efforts to tackle terrorism comprehensively while highlighting the need for ongoing humanitarian support and economic development in Somalia.
The UN Security Council’s extension of sanctions against Al-Shabaab emphasizes a collective commitment to curbing the group’s illicit activities, primarily arms trafficking. The unanimous approval showcases international resolve to support Somalia’s government in combating terrorism while ensuring that humanitarian assistance continues. Upcoming assessments will play a crucial role in evaluating the effectiveness and impact of the sanctions moving forward.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
