SNA (Birmingham) — Somalia’s internationally-recognized government has once again appealed for the removal of the UN weapons embargo, citing the urgent need for weaponry and supplies to counter the Al-Shabab insurgency. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre reiterated this plea on social media in September, urging the UN Security Council to lift the decades-long arms embargo to empower the National Army in defeating the Islamist militant group.

In a display of commitment, current members of the Somali government donated their October salaries to support the ongoing battle against Al-Shabab. However, they emphasize the need to lift the weapons embargo to effectively conclude the mission.

The UN Security Council initially imposed the embargo with the aim of curbing piracy and preventing militant groups like Al-Shabab from acquiring advanced weaponry intended for the Somali government. Only four countries, including China and Russia, abstained from approving the decision.

The prolonged conflict with the Islamist organization has spanned seventeen years, gaining renewed attention following the death of TV journalist Abdifatah Moalim Nur Qeys in a suicide bombing on October 16 and other attacks.

During a recent Security Council meeting, Somali Ambassador Souef Mohamed El-Amine addressed the situation, stating, “While Al-Shabab has shown resilience in some sectors over the last three months, we do not consider this a resurgence.”

Responding to increased activities by Al-Shabab, the National Army has intensified efforts, leading to the surrender of a prominent Al-Shabab leader. The Ministry of Defence highlighted this surrender as “a clear indicator of our effective counter-terrorism operations and dwindling morale within the [Al-Shabab] ranks.”

Islamic Relief representative Michael Green shared a positive outlook, affirming that “in most towns under government control, things have improved and are better than before.”

Currently, Al-Shabab remains active primarily in the central and southern regions of the country. Green cautioned that “the conflict between the government and Al-Shabab continues to adversely affect citizens, limiting their access to services and aid.”

Statistics from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project reveal an increase in fatalities over the past two years, with 3,850 reported last year compared to 3,500 in 2021 due to Al-Shabab activities. Additionally, an estimated 600,000 people have been displaced from their homes due to the conflict, as reported by Islamic Relief.

Green noted, “In some of our offices, we have observed a rise in the number of orphans and children in need seeking enrollment in our orphans’ support program in various project areas, both in the south (Mogadishu) and east (Puntland).”

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