Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The recent incident in Abudwak, a town located in central Somalia, has highlighted significant challenges in the country’s arms regulation and control. A convoy transporting weapons, escorted by The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), was ambushed by clan militia, leading to the looting of arms. The emergence of distressing images on social media, depicting children and women wielding firearms, has intensified concerns regarding the stability and security of Somalia.

Historically, arms smuggling has been a persistent issue in Somalia, facilitated through borders with Ethiopia, Yemen, and maritime routes. For over three decades, the illicit arms trade has been a major contributor to the country’s ongoing instability. Even during periods of strict embargo, there were instances where the government itself was implicated in acquiring weapons through smuggling channels. The lifting of the arms embargo in December 2023 has shifted the responsibility for arms regulation entirely to the Somali government, removing the need for UN Security Council notifications for weapon imports. This transition places the onus on the Somali authorities to establish and enforce robust regulatory frameworks to prevent further destabilization.

The government’s response to the Abudwak incident has been criticized for its lack of clarity and effectiveness. The press release, which characterized the weapons as belonging to businessmen rather than acknowledging the smuggling aspect, reflects the legal ambiguities and regulatory gaps that have emerged since the embargo was lifted. The reactive nature of the newly enacted weapon sales policy further illustrates the inadequacies in the government’s approach. This policy, hastily formulated in response to the incident, has been criticized for lacking thorough consultation and a strategic framework, undermining both state control and government credibility.

Regional Security Analyst and Former SSR chief and Head of Security and Justice at OPM Somalia says, ’Once weapons fall into clan hands, recovering them becomes a complex and contentious process, compounded by the strong resistance against government intervention’’  

The complexities of arms regulation are further compounded by internal political dynamics. The Minister of Interior’s suggestion that the missing weapons might have been sold by the former administration to businessmen highlights the inconsistencies in official statements and the lack of cohesive communication among government officials. These inconsistencies point to deeper issues of accountability and governance, which complicate the implementation of a unified arms control policy.

Efforts to recover the looted weapons from clan militias have been met with skepticism. The appointment of the Minister of Internal Security, whose qualifications appear to be primarily based on clan affiliation rather than governance expertise, raises concerns about the effectiveness of the recovery efforts. The prevailing belief is that reclaiming significant amounts of the looted arms will be exceedingly challenging, given the strong resistance from the clans against government intervention. Once weapons fall into the hands of clan militias, retrieving them becomes a complex and contentious process.

 Ali Halane, Journalist, columnist and Former Correspondent at BBC Arabia, ‘Experienced smugglers are usually cautious and unlikely to get caught, implying the weapons in question were not handled by businessmen.” 

Some proposals suggest integrating militia members into the national security framework and registering their weapons as a potential solution to the problem. However, this approach presents significant challenges and risks. Integrating militia members could set a problematic precedent, potentially leading to the perception that intercepting government weapons provides an avenue for employment within the security forces. Effective implementation of such measures requires a unified and collective approach from the government, emphasizing the need for clear policies and coordinated actions to address weapons control and smuggling.

The role of the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, is crucial in monitoring these developments. Recurrent incidents of arms smuggling and instability could prompt the reinstatement of the arms embargo, further complicating Somalia’s efforts to regulate its arms trade. Therefore, it is imperative for Somalia to adopt a proactive approach to arms regulation, enhance governance and transparency, and collaborate with international stakeholders to strengthen regulatory frameworks and security measures.

Mohammed Hirmoge, a journalist, Former Head of Strategic Communications at Villa Somalia says,‘’The international community is watching closely; recurring incidents of arms smuggling could jeopardize Somalia’s efforts to maintain stability and may lead to the reinstatement of the arms embargo”.

In conclusion, the path to effective arms control and disarmament in Somalia involves addressing multiple layers of reconciliation, stabilization, and governance. Legalizing weapons for self-protection, especially for clans integrated into the security infrastructure, is a necessary step towards eventual disarmament. This process demands broad stakeholder agreement and highlights the importance of reconciliation and stabilization as prerequisites for successful disarmament. To navigate these challenges, Somalia must establish clear regulations, enhance coordination and accountability among government ministries, and engage in proactive governance to ensure long-term stability and security.