UN Extends Sanctions on al-Shabaab as Somalia Plans New Stabilization Mission

Summary:

• The UN Security Council has extended sanctions on al-Shabaab for two more months, allowing time for further discussions on how to address the group’s threat. This decision coincides with plans for a new African Union mission, AUSSOM, to replace ATMIS in Somalia, with ongoing talks about troop contributions and funding.

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The UN Security Council has decided to extend sanctions on al-Shabaab for an additional two months to allow the international community more time to determine the best response to the militant group. The decision was made on Friday as Somalia and its international partners discussed the creation of a new stabilization mission to be deployed after January 1.

This move ensures the continuation of sanctions under Resolution 2713/23, which have been in place for over a decade. The sanctions aim to prevent al-Shabaab from regaining control of liberated areas and allow partners like Kenya to intercept illegal shipments, including weapons and charcoal, until February 28, 2025.

The proposal, initiated by the UK, was supported by all 15 members of the UN Security Council. Jess Jambert-Gray, UK Deputy Political Coordinator, emphasized the importance of stability during transitions and the ongoing consultations to refine the sanctions regime to effectively combat al-Shabaab’s threat.

In December 2023, Somalia’s arms embargo was lifted, enabling international collaboration with Somali security forces to counter the group. However, the Panel of Experts on Somalia will continue monitoring the situation, with a new report expected in March. In their October report, the Panel highlighted al-Shabaab’s ongoing threat and the rising influence of ISIS, especially in Puntland.

These developments coincide with the planning of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), set to replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Although the African Union Peace and Security Council has approved the mission’s Concept of Operations, discussions continue on troop contributions and funding. Somalia has also requested that Ethiopian troops, involved in ATMIS, not participate in AUSSOM due to ongoing territorial disputes between the two nations.

Despite tensions, Somalia and Ethiopia have agreed to initiate talks for a commercial agreement regarding sea access, mediated by Turkey. Meanwhile, Egypt has become the first country to supply weapons for the new mission, having signed a defense cooperation agreement with Somalia earlier this year.