Saturday July 20, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — The Somali Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, approved two draft bills on Friday: one to establish the Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission and another to implement stringent arms control measures following recent incidents of weapon smuggling and militia violence. The decision came during an extraordinary meeting on Friday.
The Council of Ministers did not provide details about the approved Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission, although the government has previously emphasized that the next election will be based on a one-person-one-vote system.
The Cabinet also issued a resolution to strengthen weapons and ammunition management in line with the National Security Plan and international standards following the high-profile arms seizure of illegal weapons and growing concerns over the arms trade into Somalia.
On July 15, Somali security forces intercepted a significant shipment of smuggled weapons in the Galmudug region. The convoy, carrying heavy arms, including machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades, was ambushed by local militias near Abudwak. The arms, reportedly originating from Ethiopia, were looted during a deadly clash that left at least five people dead. The attack has been described by analysts as a major case of arms proliferation in central Somalia, raising alarms over the impact of lifting the decades-long arms embargo on the country.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council following the incident. The council instructed the Ministry of Internal Security to submit a detailed report and recommendations on illegal weapons smuggling.
The Internal Security Ministry reported that government security forces had seized the weapons from "illegal weapons traders" and were escorting them when armed militias erected a checkpoint and intercepted the arms. The local militias overpowered government forces after receiving reinforcements from clan members, the official added.
The arms that fell into civilian hands included DshK and PKM machine guns, AK-47 assault rifles, pistols, and ammunition, according to a security official.
The resolution bans the sale and trade of all types of arms and military supplies entering or leaving Somalia. It also prohibits illegal activities such as importing, exporting, manufacturing, trading, transferring, or distributing arms and military supplies and restricts brokering activities related to arms or military supplies within the country. Possession of light arms, such as AK-47s and pistols, is allowed only if registered with the federal and state Ministries of Internal Security.
The Cabinet has outlined legal actions against violators to enforce these measures, including confiscating illegal arms and military supplies, surveillance, and restrictions. The Ministry of Internal Security and the security ministries of federal member states are instructed to implement this resolution, in collaboration with the Central Monitoring Department of the National Security Office. They are required to provide regular reports to the National Security Council to ensure transparency and accountability.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved a Policy on the Procurement of Arms, Ammunition, and Military Equipment. This policy aims to regulate and ensure the country's proper management of military supplies.
These measures are effective immediately and will be published in the government's official gazette.