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The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously extended sanctions on Al-Shabaab, the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group operating in Somalia, in a decisive move aimed at curbing its influence and destabilizing activities in the region. The sanctions, which include measures to intercept illegal arms imports and charcoal exports, will remain in effect until December 2025, with the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the sanctions regime extended until January 2026.
The decision, formalized through Resolution 2776, underscores the international community’s commitment to degrading Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities. The sanctions are designed to disrupt the group’s finances, restrict its access to weapons, and strengthen global collaboration in combating terrorism. The UNSC emphasized that these measures are critical to preventing Al-Shabaab and other actors from undermining peace and security in Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa.
A key focus of the sanctions is the interception of vessels suspected of transporting banned items to and from Somalia. This includes illegal arms shipments and charcoal exports, which have long been a significant source of revenue for Al-Shabaab. The resolution also highlights the growing concern over the flow of weapons from Yemen to Somalia, with Al-Shabaab’s links to the Houthi rebels being part of a broader pattern of destabilizing activity in the region. The UNSC has called for closer coordination between sanctions committees to monitor and counter this trend.
The Somali government and its national institutions, including the Somali National Army, National Intelligence and Security Agency, and Somali National Police Force, are exempt from the sanctions. This exemption ensures that the government can continue to receive the necessary military supplies to combat Al-Shabaab effectively. The resolution also mandates the UN Secretary-General to assess the arms embargo and report on its relevance by November 2025, paving the way for a potential review of the sanctions regime.
Several UNSC members expressed their support for the resolution, emphasizing its importance in the fight against Al-Shabaab. The United Kingdom’s representative described the sanctions as a “powerful package” designed to degrade the group’s capabilities and support Somalia in building its own security infrastructure. The United States echoed these sentiments, urging additional designations of Al-Shabaab operatives to further weaken the group’s influence.
The sanctions come at a critical time for Somalia, which is undergoing a significant security transition. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) is set to be replaced by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) next year, marking a new phase in the country’s efforts to achieve stability. The UNSC’s decision to extend the sanctions reflects the ongoing challenges Somalia faces in its fight against terrorism and the need for sustained international support.
Al-Shabaab, which has been waging an insurgency in Somalia for over a decade, continues to pose a significant threat to the region. The group has carried out numerous attacks targeting civilians, government officials, and international peacekeepers. Its ability to exploit weak governance and porous borders has enabled it to maintain a foothold in Somalia and expand its influence across the Horn of Africa.
The UNSC’s resolution sends a clear message that the international community remains united in its efforts to combat terrorism and support Somalia’s path to peace and stability. By extending the sanctions, the UNSC aims to disrupt Al-Shabaab’s operations and create an environment conducive to long-term security and development in the region.
As Somalia continues its fight against Al-Shabaab, the focus remains on strengthening its institutions, enhancing regional cooperation, and addressing the root causes of instability. The UNSC’s decision to extend sanctions is a crucial step in this ongoing effort, reaffirming the global commitment to a safer and more secure Horn of Africa.