UN arms embargo on Somalia

In January 1992 the UNSC imposed an open ended arms embargo on Somalia. In February 2007 the embargo was amended to allow arms supplies to Somali Government Forces.

In January 1992 Security Council resolution 733 (PDF) established an arms embargo on Somalia. In June 2001 Security Council resolution 1356 allowed for exemptions to the embargo for supplies of non-lethal military equipment for use in humanitarian operations.

In July 2002 Security Council resolution 1425 (PDF) clarified the scope of the arms embargo, making clear that it prohibited the financing of arms acquisitions as well as the direct or indirect sale or supply of technical advice or military training.

In December 2006 Security Council resolution 1725 (PDF) partially lifted the UN arms embargo on Somalia. The resolution authorized the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) and African Union member States to deploy a regional intervention force to protect Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and to arm and train the TFG security forces. The resolution maintains the existing embargo but states that its provisions do not apply to transfers of military equipment, technical training and assistance intended for the regional intervention force.

Security Council Resolution 1744 (PDF) of February 2007 limited the embargo to non-state actors. It allows the supply of weapons and military equipment intended solely for the purpose of helping develop Somali security sector institutions. The sanctions committee on Somalia must be notified in advance of such supplies and has the possibility to halt them.

In November 2008 Security Council Resolution 1844 (PDF) amended the arms embargo to target entities that have violated the arms embargo or obstructed the delivery of humanitarian assistance to or in Somalia.

In December 2009 the UN imposed an arms embargo on Eritrea, partly in response to reports that Eritrea had violated the arms embargo on Somalia. (For more in formation see the entry on the UN embargo on Eritrea)

Last updated on 3 May 2012.