The Security Council, in a decisive move, declared that these sanctions will be in place until December 2025. Furthermore, the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting in upholding these sanctions has been extended through January 2026, as outlined in resolution 2776 of 2025. The resolution passed without opposition, underscoring the unanimity regarding the threat Al-Shabaab poses.

The concentrated efforts of the 15-member council have led to a unified call: every state must act decisively to prevent groups like Al-Shabaab from acquiring weapons and military supplies, blocking a key avenue that has enabled the militant group to continue its operations.

Importantly, these measures exempt the federal government of Somalia. Recent developments saw the lifting of the arms embargo on the government. Deliveries intended for the National Intelligence and Security Agency, the Somali National Police Force, and the Somali Custodial Corps remain unaffected, ensuring Somalia’s government maintains its defensive and operational capabilities.

“This resolution retains a powerful package of sanctions designed to further degrade Al-Shabaab, disrupt its finances, strengthen international collaboration, and support Somalia in building its capabilities,” remarked a representative from the United Kingdom.

Guyana’s representative, speaking on behalf of Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Somalia, expressed strong support for the Council’s decision, emphasizing the importance of re-evaluating such regimes to bolster the fight against Al-Shabaab. How can the balance between stern measures and supporting a government in need be struck?

She conveyed optimism: a mandate has been given to the Secretary-General to assess the relevant arms embargo. A report is anticipated by November 2025, which will pave the way for a review of the sanctions regime. “We urge the Council’s continued support,” she stated, acknowledging the priorities identified by the Somali Government during the upcoming review.

The Council’s eyes also turn towards Yemen. The unruly spread of arms from Yemen into Somalia raises alarm bells, and connections between Al-Shabaab and the Houthis present troubling concerns. These interactions, the UK delegate noted, fit into a broader tapestry of destabilizing actions exerted by the Houthis beyond Yemen’s borders.

Concerns over these developments were echoed by other members. France’s representative stressed, “It is vital to prevent Al-Shabaab from establishing and exploiting ties with groups under sanctions in the region — including the Houthis.”

The flow of arms and mounting ties between Al-Shabaab and Yemeni Houthis demand urgent dialogue, noted the U.S. representative. Collaboration across the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula could be crucial in stepping back from the brink of an expanded conflict.

However, differences in approach emerged. Russia’s representative highlighted that Yemen’s issues should be considered independently. Meanwhile, thoughts on collaborative efforts with African States peppered the discussions, accentuating diverse opinions yet a unified goal of peace and stability.

“Al-Shabaab’s ability to radicalize, recruit, raise funds via extortion and piracy, and procure weapons must be disrupted,” declared Pakistan’s delegate. This sentiment underscores the necessity for ongoing humanitarian aid and economic support as a dual strategy against terrorism’s root causes.

As Somalia stands at a crossroads, the international community’s role becomes pivotal — a shared endeavor in combating a relentless adversary. How might future strategies influence not just the peace in Somalia, but regional stability and, indeed, global security?

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring