UN Security Council discusses improving implementation of Somali arms ban

Concerned at the continued violations of the arms embargo on Somalia, the United Nations Security Council today exchanged views on how to better implement the ban.

In a statement to the press, Council President Ambassador Adolfo Aguilar Zinser of Mexico said members welcomed the report submitted by a Panel of Experts on the violations of the embargo, which have continued despite peace agreements between the warring factions.

The report issued to the Council at the end of last month by the three-person Panel says most factions have continued to fight and import or receive weapons. In addition, the report also states that the arms market in the country is not supplied by local elements only, but also external sources.

Council Members expressed their deep concern about this continued flow of weapons and military equipment from sources outside Somalia and called on all Member States to support and cooperate with the Panel in the implementation of its mandate, which was last week extended for another six months.

The Panel is, “mandated to collect independent information on violations of the arms embargo in Somalia and to provide recommendations on possible practical steps and measures for its effective implementation,” Ambassador Zinser said.

Members also reaffirmed the importance of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia, the Council President said. They expressed their intention to continue the discussion on the arms embargo implementation.