By Leadership Magazine: The UN Security Council (UNSC) on December 2023 voted to lift an arms embargo on Somalia’s government forces, ending 31 years of restrictions that had prevented the country from upgrading its military with freely purchased new weaponry.
In a decision, the council sitting in New York voted 14-1 to lift the embargo on Somalia but retained restrictions on arms trade or supplies to members of the terrorist group Al Shabaab. France abstained.
The council permitted the federal government to order and purchase weapons from all legal merchants in the world. But it will have to submit a list of the weapons to the UN Sanctions Committee on Somalia for verification.
Lifting an army embargo on a country can have implications for state building, which refers to the process of constructing and strengthening the institutions and governance structures of a nation-state.
Lifting an army embargo allows the country to rebuild and strengthen its military forces. This can be crucial for establishing a stable and secure environment, which is a fundamental prerequisite for effective state-building. The reconstitution of a capable and accountable military can help protect the country’s territorial integrity, maintain law and order, and contribute to overall stability.
The lifting of an army embargo can provide an opportunity for the country to enhance its military capabilities through training, equipment, and technical assistance. This capacity-building process can help develop a professional and well-functioning military that adheres to international norms, respects human rights, and operates within the rule of law. A strong and disciplined military can contribute to the state’s ability to provide security and protect its citizens.
In some cases, the lifting of an army embargo may be a result of progress made in national reconciliation efforts. It can signal a move towards political stability and the resolution of internal conflicts. By integrating formerly warring factions into a unified military, a country can promote social cohesion, foster trust, and work towards a shared vision of nation-building.
The lifting of an army embargo can enhance the legitimacy of the state’s institutions and government. A functional and accountable military can strengthen the state’s authority, bolster its legitimacy in the eyes of the population, and contribute to the consolidation of state power. This, in turn, can help the state build effective governance structures, maintain public order, and provide essential services to its citizens.
It’s important to note that lifting an army embargo alone does not guarantee successful state-building. It is a complex and multifaceted process that requires comprehensive efforts in areas such as governance, rule of law, economic development, and social cohesion. The lifting of an army embargo can be one element in a broader strategy to support the country’s stability, security, and long-term development. Let’s focus on the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Opportunities:
Enhanced Defense Capabilities: The lifting of an army embargo allows Somalia to rebuild and strengthen its military forces, which can lead to improved defense capabilities. This can provide the opportunity to better protect the country’s borders, deter potential threats, and contribute to regional security including the fighting against Al-Shabab.
Economic Benefits: A lifted army embargo can open up avenues for defense trade and cooperation with other countries. This can lead to economic opportunities through arms sales, joint military exercises, and technology transfers. It may also attract investment in the defense sector, creating jobs and boosting the country’s economy.
International Cooperation: The removal of an army embargo can facilitate increased engagement and cooperation with other nations. It can create opportunities for military partnerships, joint training programs, and participation in peacekeeping missions, fostering diplomatic ties and strengthening diplomatic relations.
Modernization and Technological Advancements: With the lifting of an army embargo, the country may have access to advanced military technologies and equipment. This can enable the modernization of its armed forces, enhancing their effectiveness and efficiency in addressing security challenges.
Challenges:
Ensuring Accountability and Human Rights: One of the challenges associated with lifting an army embargo is ensuring that the military operates within the framework of human rights and accountability. There may be concerns about potential human rights abuses, misuse of power, or lack of transparency. The country must establish strong oversight mechanisms and promote a culture of respect for human rights.
Managing Defense Expenditure: The lifting of an army embargo can lead to increased defense expenditure as the country seeks to build and modernize its military. Managing defense budgets effectively and ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently can be a challenge, especially in countries with limited financial resources or competing development priorities.
Regional Security Dynamics: The lifting of an army embargo may impact regional security dynamics, potentially leading to concerns among neighboring countries. Striking a balance between national defense requirements and regional stability is essential to avoid potential conflicts or tensions arising from an arms race or perceived threats.
Political Stability: The lifting of an army embargo can have implications for political stability within the country. It is crucial to ensure that the military remains under civilian control and that any changes in defense capabilities do not disrupt the balance of power or lead to internal conflicts.
These opportunities and challenges highlighted in this article indicate several complexities involved in navigating the lifting of an army embargo. It requires careful planning, effective governance, and cooperation with international partners to maximize the benefits while addressing potential challenges.
Salad Ghedi
Editor-in-chief
Leadership Magazine
Mogadishu-Somalia
