United Nations (TDI): The United Nations Security Council (UNDC) Tuesday renewed its sanctions against al-Shabaab terror group in Somalia until December 13, 2025, with Pakistan voicing concern over the presence of Da’esh’s affiliate terrorist elements in the African country.
The 15-member UNSC took that action by unanimously adopting a resolution, submitted by the UK, authorizing member countries to intercept vessels transporting banned items to and from Somalia, including illegal arms imports and charcoal exports.
“Al-Shabaab’s ability to radicalize, recruit, raise funds via extortion and piracy and procure weapons must be disrupted,” Ambassador Usman Iqbal Jadoon, Pakistan’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, told the UNSC, while explaining his vote in favour of the resolution.
He stated that continued humanitarian aid and support for economic development of Somalia was essential to addressing the root causes of terrorism.
“Fighting the scourge of terrorism needs a united regional and global effort,” he stressed.
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Under the terms of the resolution, the UNSC, acting under Chapter VII (Enforcement) of the United Nations— decided that “all countries shall, for the purposes of preventing Al-Shabaab and other actors intent on undermining peace and security in Somalia and the region from obtaining acquiring weapons and ammunition, take required steps to prevent all deliveries of weapons, ammunition and military equipment to Somalia.”
It further decided that these steps shall not apply to deliveries or supplies to the Somali government, its military, Intelligence and Security Agency, Police Force and the Custodial Corps.
At the outset, Ambassador Jadoon reiterated Islamabad’s supports to Somalia’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, warning that Al-Shabaab continues to pose a major threat to the peace and security in the country and the region.
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Despite the recent successes against the terrorist group achieved by the Somalian forces, with the support of the African Union-United Nation Missions, he emphasized, “We cannot afford to let our guard down.”
He said that fighting the scourge of terrorism needs a united regional and global effort.
Pakistan, he said, is ready to share its counter-terrorism experience and expertise with the African partners.
