NEW YORK (KAAB TV) – The United Nations Security Council has overwhelmingly extended the sanctions regime against Al-Shabaab, including measures to control illegal arms shipments and coal exports from Somalia. The resolution, adopted as Resolution 2776 (2025) under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, extends these restrictions until December 13, 2025, while renewing the mandate of the Committee of Experts monitoring the sanctions until January 13, 2026.
The 15-member council reaffirmed its commitment to preventing Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups from obtaining weapons and ammunition. It clearly instructed all member states of the United Nations to take necessary measures to prevent the delivery of military supplies to Somalia. However, the resolution exempts the Somali government forces, including the Somali National Army, the National Intelligence and Security Agency, the National Police Force, and the Judiciary.
Several members of the Security Council voiced their support for the resolution and expressed the need to evaluate its effectiveness. Speaking on behalf of Guyana, Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Somalia, Guyana’s representative emphasized the importance of these sanctions in the fight against Al-Shabaab but urged a review to determine whether these measures adequately support Somalia’s efforts.
In response, the resolution directs the UN Secretary-General to evaluate the arms embargo and submit a report by November 1, 2025. The Council plans to review the sanctions regime based on the findings.
A major concern raised during the meeting was the increasing flow of weapons from Yemen to Al-Shabaab. The United Kingdom, which supported the decision, described the sanctions as a “powerful package” designed to disrupt Al-Shabaab’s finances and international networks. The UK delegation also warned that Al-Shabaab’s relationship with Yemen’s Houthi rebels is part of a broader instability in the region.