In a statement issued Monday evening, Puntland Presidential Spokesperson Jama Yusuf said the vessel — M.V Sea World — had been anchored in waters off Bosaso for two days before it was seized by Puntland maritime police on July 18.

The authorities are now conducting inspection.

The ship was reportedly flying the Comoros flag.

According to Puntland authorities, arms traders based in Mogadishu contacted the regional government claiming ownership of the cargo and requested the release of the vessel.

“The ship was carrying military supplies only — some belonging to private arms dealers and some to TurkSom,” said Yusuf, referring to the Turkish military training base in Mogadishu.

He also confirmed that the Turkish ambassador in Mogadishu had contacted Puntland officials regarding the matter.

The spokesperson criticized a statement issued earlier by the Federal Government of Somalia, which accused Puntland of piracy and hijacking the vessel.

He described those allegations as “regrettable.”

Puntland officials said that light weapons on board were looted by civilians before security forces arrived.

The ship remains at the port of Bosaso under investigation.

Puntland says it welcomes the involvement of both the Federal Government of Somalia and the Government of Turkey in the inquiry.

Authorities in Puntland have raised concerns about the broader implications of the shipment, amid suspicions surrounding its origin and contents.

Since the partial lifting of the United Nations arms embargo on Somalia in December 2023, the flow of unauthorized weapons into the country has significantly increased.

Many of these arms are believed to have reached extremist groups like Al-Shabaab and ISIS.

At the same time, clan-based violence has intensified, with illegal weapons contributing to deadly conflicts that have displaced thousands.

Both Puntland and Somaliland — which operate as autonomous administrations — have called on the UN to reinstate the full arms embargo on Somalia, citing security risks posed by the unchecked flow of weapons to militant groups and clan militias.

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The move was confirmed by Somali Foreign Minister Abshir Omar Huruse, who engaged with Russian authorities during his visit to Moscow in May.

The purpose of President Mohamud’s attendance at the summit aligns with Somalia’s need to address its frustration in acquiring weapons and ammunition to bolster the government’s fight against the militant group, Al-Shabab.

In May, Somali diplomats revealed that Russia had extended support to aid Somalia’s armed forces in their ongoing battle against the terrorist organization. Speculations have also surfaced about Russia potentially deploying Wagner mercenaries to train Somali forces, though Minister Huruse refrained from providing in-depth details about his discussions with Russian officials.

With President Mohamud at the helm, a government delegation, including Foreign Minister Huruse, senior Villa Somalia officials, and state media representatives, will embark on a mission to enhance media coverage of the Summit, ensuring that the Somali audience is well-informed about the Summit developments including potential propaganda against the west.

Quoted by Russia state news agency TASS, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized the importance of gradually lifting the arms embargo on Somalia saying that “they have already become an obstacle to the Somali government’s efforts to stabilize the situation.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed gratitude for Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s decision to personally attend the event.

However, as this diplomatic push comes amid Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine, which has raised concerns about potential security implications in Europe, Mr. Lavrov continued to give his perspective against Western powers, explaining that the majority of developing nations comprehend the main factors driving the Ukraine crisis.

“We share our assessment of the situation, and I believe the vast majority of developing countries understand the primary causes of this crisis, which are rooted in the ambitions of the United States and its allies, by way of enlarging NATO in defiance of all previous guarantees, to recklessly cement their dominance not only in Europe but also in other regions,” he added.

Somalia is grappling with multiple hurdles, including political turmoil, governance challenges, and clan rivalries. The humanitarian situation is equally distressing, with a staggering 8.25 million people (50% of the population) requiring urgent humanitarian assistance, 6.6 million facing acute food insecurity, and 1.8 million children at risk of acute malnutrition through 2023.

Adding to the uncertainty, Russia’s recent withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Deal has disrupted Ukrainian agricultural exports to East African countries like Somalia, which have heavily relied on Ukrainian grain for sustenance, especially amidst the effects of global climate change.

Compounding the difficulties, Finland, a key humanitarian supporter of Somalia, declared its decision not to provide development aid to governments and countries supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine, introducing further ambiguity for Mogadishu.

The Finland Foreign Ministry has committed to providing EUR 54 million for bilateral cooperation in Somalia, with a specific focus on state-building efforts and initiatives related to women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights from 2021 to 2024.

Additionally, Finland contributed EUR 6.6 million for projects related to Somalia Multi-Partner Fund (MPF) via the World Bank as well as projects intended to improving healthcare and education from 2021–2022.

As Somalia braces itself for the Russia-Africa Summit and navigates these complex challenges, the stakes are high, and the path forward remains unclear. The nation’s leaders must navigate a delicate balance amidst the evolving geopolitical landscape to secure much-needed support and assistance for the country’s stabilization and development.

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The report underscores the risks of further destabilization in the country and the unrestricted access to weapons and ammunition for armed militias and militant fighters.

The United Nations Security Council had voted in November of last year to maintain the arms embargo on Somalia, despite strong objections from the Somali government. The Security Council’s decision was based on the assessment that al-Shabab continues to pose a serious threat to peace and stability in the region, emphasizing the need for sanctions to degrade its activities.

Executive Summary
This report presents an in-depth examination of the potential consequences of lifting the arms embargo in Somalia. With a focus on both the national and international implications, our findings suggest caution and a nuanced approach towards this crucial policy…

— Hiraal Institute (@HiraalInstitute) June 20, 2023

The arms embargo was initially imposed on Somalia in 1992 to stem the flow of weapons to feuding clan-based factions that had overthrown President Mohamed Siad Barre, plunging the nation into civil war. However, the weak and corrupt federal government in Mogadishu has been actively advocating for the lifting of the embargo, citing its inability to procure weapons to combat al-Shabaab.

The Hiraal Institute’s report raises concerns about the potential consequences of lifting the arms embargo, particularly regarding inter-clan conflicts. Since August 2022, the government has been promoting clan militias, and lifting the embargo could potentially trigger a volatile arms race among the clans, leading to heightened violence and increased instability.

The existence of open arms markets in Somalia further compounds the risks. The report points out that the ease of access to these markets could worsen with the lifting of the embargo, resulting in an upsurge of violence and instability. Moreover, it raises concerns about effective control and tracking of arms flow within the country.

Somalia’s intricate societal structure, characterized by deep-seated clan loyalties, presents a significant challenge in addressing these issues. The Somali National Army (SNA), primarily comprising clan militias, is currently embroiled in various clan-based conflicts across regions such as Lower Shabelle, Bakool, Puntland, and Gedo.

While the federal government is confined in Mogadishu and remains corrupt, clan-based conflicts are a recurrent feature in Somalia, often marked by violent confrontations involving small arms and anti-aircraft machine guns used by rival militias, which unfortunately lead to civilian casualties. These clan wars extend beyond internal disputes and have broader implications for Somalia’s security situation and regional stability.

Complicating matters further, the Somali government does not exercise full control over all its ports of entry. This situation heightens the risk of arms diversion to non-state actors, criminal syndicates, or potential adversaries due to the lack of comprehensive oversight.

“Without comprehensive oversight of these crucial trade nodes, the risk of arms being diverted to non-state actors, criminal syndicates, or potential adversaries is heightened,” the Hiraal Institute said.

Recent reports in local media have highlighted a troubling trend of weapons meant for the Somali army appearing in open markets, highlighting the challenges related to control and accountability. Building on these reports, the Hiraal Institute emphasizes that without robust mechanisms to secure and monitor weapons, prematurely lifting the arms embargo could lead to an increased proliferation of arms.

The report reveals that these arms bazaars cater not only to local militias or organized criminal syndicates but are accessible to anyone with sufficient financial means.

“The weapons sold in these markets range from small arms to antiaircraft cannons, all of which can significantly contribute to escalating violence and conflicts within and beyond Somalia’s borders,” the report finds.

Furthermore, the potential implications of unchecked arms flows extend beyond Somalia’s borders. The report stresses that historical lessons demonstrate how such flows can fuel conflicts, destabilize regions, and pose significant threats to international security. Considering these factors, a global perspective is crucial in shaping any decision concerning the future of the arms embargo.

The report authors conclude by emphasizing the need to prioritize strengthening Somalia’s capacity in arms control, securing ports of entry, and promoting effective governance before contemplating any significant changes to the current policy.

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The offer was made by Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, during talks with his Somali counterpart, Abshir Omar Jama, who is currently visiting Moscow.

Russia’s top diplomat expressed Moscow’s commitment to meet “the material needs of the Somali army in its fight against extremist groups”, including “al-Shabaab and al-Qaeda,” underscoring Russia’s growing interest in the African continent and its desire to outpace Western influence in conflict-ridden countries.

Somali Foreign Minister Abshir Omar took to Twitter on Friday, announcing his meeting with Mr. Lavrov and discussing ways to enhance cooperation between Somalia and Russia. He expressed enthusiasm for closer collaboration in various areas of mutual interest.

A pleasure to meet H.E Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, during a bilateral visit to Moscow today to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between 🇸🇴 & 🇷🇺.
I am grateful for the warm hospitality afforded to me & my delegation during our… pic.twitter.com/SJudiGrsw2

— Abshir Omar Jama (Huruse) (@abshirhuruse) May 26, 2023

During the Moscow meeting, Sergey Lavrov also shared his concerns about what Russia considers the anti-Russian stance of the “collective West” and its use of the Kiev regime in unsuccessful attempts to strategically defeat Russia, according to a statement released by the Russian ministry of foreign affairs.

Deployment of Russian mercenaries 

Diplomatic sources in Mogadishu revealed that the Somali foreign minister conveyed a message from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, appealing for Moscow’s support. President Mohamud urgently requested arms and weapons, citing the imminent threat posed by al-Shabaab and the government’s inadequate military capability to combat them effectively.

However, reports suggest that a potential deal is being discussed that would involve Russia persuading Somali authorities to allow the deployment of Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group. The fragmented nature of Somalia, divided along clan lines, has prompted concerns about the implications of such an arrangement. Currently, the Wagner Group operates in countries like the Central African Republic, Mali, Mozambique, and Libya. The group has been active in Vladamir Putin’s war in Ukraine.

It is worth noting that Somalia remains under a United Nations Security Council arms embargo imposed in 1992 to halt the flow of weapons to warring clan-based factions that toppled the former dictator, Siyad Barre, triggering a civil war.

Somalia’s relations with Russia have been strained since the country condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine during a United Nations General Assembly session in March 2022. Nevertheless, diplomatic sources now suggest that Russia is actively seeking to build alliances and advance its agenda in African nations ahead of the upcoming Russia-Africa Summit scheduled for July this year in St. Petersburg.

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Somali government security sources told Kaab TV that 50 Turkey-made, Girsan MC28SA pistols are now being traded in the arms markets of Mogadishu.

The arms dealers in the city said they have received the brand new pistols and are now procuring them in at least two of the city’s arms markets.

“Each pistol is being traded for $3,000 to $3,400,” one arms dealer told Kaab TV as he spoke on anonymity condition.

The pistols are part of a new shipment of 100 handguns — all Girsan MC28SA pistols — provided by Turkey in support of the Somalia’s federal ministry of defense, according to a senior officer at the ministry.

“The Minister of Defense Abduqadir Mohamed Noor (Jama) and the Commander of the Somali National Army, General Odowaa Yusuf Rage, had requested 100 pistols from the Turkish government. The Turkish government provided this shipment of 100 Girsan MC28SA pistols to the Ministry of Defense through its military attaché at the Turkish Embassy in Mogadishu,” said the officer who spoke to Kaab TV.

Arms market in Mogadishu

According to officials privy to the matter, the 100 pistols were not registered at the weapons marking and registration office inside Mogadishu’s Halane compound

“When the pistols were delivered, they were not go through the weapons marking and registration office in Halane. It was transferred directly to the Minister of Defense and the Commander of the Armed Forces who also took over the pistols: 50 for the minister and 50 for the commander,” he added.

In the past week, the new pistols, which according to the arms dealers, are full-sized pistols with high quality, have entered the market, leading to the fact that senior security officials have informed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud about the matter.

Upon receiving this news,  Villa Somalia had asked the Turkish Embassy to provide the manifest and the request letter from the defense ministry. The Turkish Embassy then dispatched the documents to the president’s office confirming the delivery of the 100 pistols.

“Usually every weapon that comes to the market is obtained from the government army. There is a small amount of weapons that come from ordinary people such as clan militias or by sea from Yemen and Iran,” said Abdi Yare, an arms broker in Mogadishu.

Following this revelation, president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is said to have summoned both the defense minister Abduqadir Mohamed Noor (Jama) and the Commander of the Somali National Army, General Odowaa Yusuf Rage.

Corruption and lack of accountability have an impact on Somalia’s security. Local weapons experts say weapons used by the terrorist groups al-Shabaab and Daesh for their attacks come from the government forces and some are bought from the country’s arms markets.

Arms embargo in Somalia

The United Nations imposed an arms embargo on Somalia in 1992 in order to reduce and limit the weapons used by the tribal militias that overthrew the dictatorial government of Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991 when the country plunged into a civil war.

In November 2022, the United Nations Security Council voted to extend the arms embargo on Somalia. Western governments that submitted this resolution said that Al-Shabaab still poses a major threat to the peace and stability in the region, and that there is a need to continue sanctions to reduce their activities.

As many as 11 governments out of the 15 permanent members of the Security Council supported the continuation of the arms embargo on Somalia, with Russia, China, Gabon and Ghana abstaining in support of the call by the Somali government, backed by the African Union, to lift the arms embargo.

This resolution, which was originally brought by the British government, also shows concern about the continued presence of the Daesh group (ISIL) in the Horn of Africa.

Somalia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Abukar Osman, expressed his displeasure at the time of the extension of the arms embargo.

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