Sunday June 18, 2023
NEW YORK (HOL) — Somali President Hassan
Sheikh Mohamud is scheduled to travel to New York to provide a
briefing to the United Nations Security Council on Somalia's transitional plan,
sources told Hiiraan Online on Sunday.
President Mohamud's visit comes amid
renewed efforts to urge the United Nations to lift the long-standing arms
embargo imposed on Somalia since 1991.
Officials hope that the president will
outline the progress achieved in the transition process and emphasize the
advancements made in rebuilding the Somali security forces.
The withdrawal of forces from the African
Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) is a part of the Somali government's
comprehensive plan to assume full control of national security affairs and
establish a self-reliant security apparatus capable of safeguarding its territory.
However, the Somali government insists
that lifting the arms embargo, which has been in effect for over three decades,
is of immense significance for Somalia's development and stability.
Advocates for its removal argue that the
embargo hampers the country's ability to effectively combat insurgencies and
other security threats.
Diplomats told Hiiraan Online that
President Mohamud is expected to present a compelling case for reconsidering
the arms embargo, highlighting the progress made in security sector reforms and
the increased capability of Somali security forces.