Rising Concerns Over Arms Proliferation in Somalia

On July 19, Raas Asayr regional prosecutor Abdirahman Mahamud Ali took a bold step by issuing a directive for a full criminal investigation under Article 24 of Somalia’s Criminal Procedure Code. This comprehensive inquiry mandates the police to not only trace the entry of a particular cargo but also to scrutinize how the weapons were handled and to identify those who might be implicated. This letter, a critical piece of communication, was also sent to the Northeastern State Attorney General and the General Command of the Northeastern State Police, effectively elevating the matter to the highest levels of state authority. One can’t help but wonder: what events led to this critical moment, and what are the broader implications for Somalia?

In a related development, North Western State of Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Abdirahman Dahir Adan, cited this incident as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the UN’s decision to lift the embargo on arms exports to Somalia. In his words, “The decision to lift the UN arms embargo on the failed state of Somalia has had far-reaching and destabilizing consequences; rather than contributing to peace and stability, it has emboldened extremist elements and further undermined security across the region.”

This statement raises an urgent question: how can lifting an embargo meant to curb violence instead trigger a cycle of instability? Dahir Adan passionately called upon the international community to reassess the embargo’s removal, underscoring the growing threats that continue to loom over the Horn of Africa.

The backdrop of this crisis is intriguing. The UN Security Council had lifted the embargo in December 2023, a ban that had been in place since the onset of Somalia’s civil war in 1992. The Somali federal government welcomed this decision with open arms, proclaiming it a “historic milestone.” President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed an optimistic viewpoint, suggesting that this would not only enhance national sovereignty but also bolster their counterterrorism capabilities.

However, skepticism swiftly emerged from regional actors, particularly Northeastern State and North Western State of Somalia. They raised valid concerns regarding Somalia’s capacity for institutional oversight, especially in managing weapons imports. Security analysts echoed these sentiments, warning that the lifting of the embargo could inadvertently fuel arms leakage to clan militias and extremist groups. This makes one reflect: how can a nation foster stability when the very tools of protection become instruments of conflict?

Diving deeper into the security landscape, the Northeastern State government has yet to disclose the origin or destination of the vessel rumored to be linked to this arms incident. Nevertheless, officials are treating the matter with utmost seriousness, labeling it as a significant security breach. The community’s unrest highlights a pivotal truth: information and transparency are vital in fostering trust in leadership, especially in an environment fraught with uncertainty.

Tensions over security governance in Somalia have been simmering for over a year. In May 2024, Northeastern State announced its decision to halt cooperation with federal security deployments unless consultations were held beforehand. This bold move was significantly influenced by concerns regarding unilateral decisions and an alarming lack of transparency from the center. This raises the question: what does it take for different factions within a country to come together for a unified cause?

North Western State of Somalia’s recent statements echo longstanding grievances over centralized arms control in Somalia. Much like Northeastern State, North Western State of Somalia has resisted federal control over weapons procurement and military oversight, especially in light of the lifting of the arms embargo. It is a critical time for Somalilands’ regional autonomy, with factions wrestling for control and influence in a land where trust has been hard-won.

Curiously, amidst these glaring issues, the Somali federal government has remained conspicuously silent concerning the Sea World incident. This silence could be interpreted in various ways: perhaps it reflects a struggle to reconcile internal conflicts, or maybe it stems from an awareness of the delicate political landscape that must be navigated with extreme caution.

In conclusion, as we observe the unfolding narrative of arms proliferation in Somalia, it serves as a wake-up call for both local and international stakeholders. The delicate interplay between national sovereignty, regional autonomy, and international intervention may well define the future of the Somali nation. Are we witnessing a moment of reckoning, or merely another chapter in a long-standing saga of struggle and resilience?

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring