Security Council committee 'gravely alarmed' at flow of weapons to Somalia

Members of the Security Council committee monitoring the sanctions against Somalia are "gravely alarmed" at the use of military weapons on a large scale inside the country, as well as the continued flow of arms and ammunition supplies from outside, according to a statement released today at UN Headquarters in New York.

The Committee, which met in closed session on Tuesday, was also deeply concerned about the lack of information concerning alleged violations of the arms embargo against Somalia. In that connection, the statement said, Committee members underlined the importance of implementing Council resolution 1407 of 3 May, which requested a report on the establishment of a panel of experts to improve the enforcement of the sanctions against the country.

At their meeting, Committee members decided to send a letter to all Member States reminding them of their obligation to comply with the arms embargo against Somalia and to report all available information on any violations - or suspected breaches - of the ban.

The Committee also decided to write to representatives of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) seeking their assistance in this area. In addition, the Committee Chairman will contact Somalia’s neighbours as well as other countries in the region that might have the ability to monitor air, land and sea traffic in the area. The purpose would be to increase their vigilance about the movement of goods across common borders with Somalia, and to identify the origin of the carriers of the goods destined for the country’s ports.

The Committee appealed to all individuals, national and international governmental or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for information on violations of the arms embargo against Somalia.