Security Council calls for stricter implementation of arms embargo on Somalia

The United Nations Security Council today called for greater international support for enhanced implementation of the arms embargo on Somalia after hearing a report that the lack of an effective central government provided opportunities for the activities of international terrorist organizations in the East African country.

“The members of the Council stressed the risks of the continued flow of weapons and ammunition supplies to and through Somalia for the stability and security in a wider region of Africa and appealed for sustained regional efforts and cooperation to improve the monitoring and the implementation of the arms embargo on Somalia,” the 15-member body said in a press statement after consulting on the report by a mission to the region last month.

“The members of the Council emphasized the need of united approach and stronger support from the international community for enhanced implementation of the arms embargo in Somalia, and strongly urged frontline and neighbouring states to comply fully with their obligations under relevant Security Council resolutions,” according to the statement read by the Council’s President for December, Ambassador Stefan Tafrov of Bulgaria.

The mission, led by Mr. Tafrov in his capacity as Chairman of the Council’s sanctions committee on Somalia, expressed concern about the continuing lack of an effective central government after more than a decade of civil strife, and the opportunities this provided for activities of international terrorist organizations within the country.