Mogadishu (KAAB TV) — The government of Somaliland has sharply criticized the United Nations’ recent decision to lift the decades-long arms embargo on Somalia, calling it a grave mistake that could further destabilize the already volatile Horn of Africa region.
The condemnation came shortly after a ship carrying a large cache of weapons was intercepted off the coast of Puntland on Friday. According to Puntland authorities, the vessel — reportedly originating from Turkey — was carrying a shipment of arms and ammunition, though its final destination remains unclear. The ship was escorted to the port of Bosaso for further investigation.
In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdirahman Dahir Adan, expressed deep concern over the implications of the embargo’s removal. He blamed the United Nations for what he described as a dangerous miscalculation.
“The decision to lift the UN arms embargo on the failed state of Somalia has had disastrous consequences,” said Minister Adan. “Rather than promoting peace and stability, it has emboldened extremist groups and exacerbated insecurity throughout the region.”
He further urged the international community to reconsider the decision in light of the recent developments and the broader security context.
“The international community must urgently reassess this decision, particularly given the increasing threats facing the Horn of Africa,” he added.
Tensions surrounding the intercepted shipment have raised new questions about arms control and transparency in Somalia. Some sources claim the weapons were intended as a donation to the Somali federal government, possibly for use in counterterrorism efforts. However, Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, declined to confirm or deny these claims when approached by local media.
In contrast, Puntland officials voiced suspicion over the cargo’s true destination, suggesting the weapons could have been bound for militant groups operating in Somalia. They warned that the proliferation of such arms poses a serious risk to regional stability and stated that they would hold the federal government accountable if links are confirmed.
This is not an isolated incident. Over the past several months, multiple shipments of small arms have been intercepted in various parts of the country, many of which were being transported in civilian vehicles. In some cases, community militias reportedly seized the weapons, raising further concerns about unregulated arms circulation.
Several regional analysts have criticized the federal government in Mogadishu, accusing it of lacking the capacity to enforce effective arms control. They argue that Somalia, still recovering from decades of civil conflict and facing persistent insurgent threats, is not yet prepared to responsibly manage unrestricted access to military equipment.
The Somali federal government, however, maintains that the lifting of the embargo is a positive step forward in its long-term campaign to combat al-Shabaab and other extremist factions. Government spokespeople insist that properly equipped and trained national forces are essential for securing the country and asserting central authority.
Nevertheless, Friday’s incident underscores the deep divisions and lingering mistrust among Somalia’s federal and regional governments — as well as Somaliland, which continues to operate as a self-declared independent state.
The future of arms control in Somalia remains uncertain, with mounting calls for international oversight and a more cautious approach to military support in the fragile state.