Addressing the Crisis of Small Arms Proliferation in Somalia: The Urgency for a National Commission.
The tribal competition for acquiring small arms in Somalia, involving the arming of the clan-based Maawisley group in the past, the perceived need for self-defense due to conflicts between clans across much of the country, the communities that fight and seize weapons from Al Shabaab, and the confiscation of a large weapons shipment by a clan militia near Abudwak in mid-July 2024, has become a significant concern. This situation poses a threat to the stability and predictability that both the nation and its international partners have traditionally depended upon. In addition to the above, small-scale but lethal consignments of arms and ammunition come to Somalia from Yemen via sea and from Ethiopia via land.
The unchecked spread of small arms among various tribal groups in Somalia poses a significant challenge to security and peace efforts in the region. Urgent action is needed to address this issue before it spirals out of control.
The proliferation of small arms in Somalia has dire consequences, fueling conflicts, perpetuating violence, and hindering development initiatives. The easy availability and what clans perceive as their “urgent need” for weapons for “self-defense” will certainly contribute to the perpetuation of the cycle of violence that has plagued the country for years, resulting in further widespread and more complex insecurity and instability. This will not only affect the people of Somalia but also poses a threat to the immediate neighbors of Somalia and the wider international community.
In light of these challenges, FPS recognizes the urgent need for a coordinated and comprehensive approach to tackle the small arms proliferation crisis in Somalia. One key recommendation from FPS is the establishment of a national commission tasked with evaluating the situation and formulating suggestions for prompt intervention and long-term mitigation strategies.
This commission would bring together experts, federal government officials, FMS (Federal Member States) representatives, civil society groups, and international partners to collectively tackle the complex issue at hand.
The national commission will conduct a thorough and practical assessment of the extent of small arms proliferation in Somalia, identifying the root causes of the problem, and formulating targeted recommendations for addressing it.
The commission will convene a range of diverse perspectives and expertise, positioning it effectively to recommend evidence-based solutions for reducing the availability of small arms and minimizing their security impact in the country.
Furthermore, the commission will explore the implementation of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs as part of a broader strategy to address the small arms crisis. These programs could help incentivize clan militias and other armed groups friendly to the government to voluntarily surrender their weapons, provide support for the reintegration of ex-combatants into society, and ultimately contribute to building a more peaceful and secure environment in Somalia.
It is essential that both domestic and international partners collaborate closely with the national commission to support its efforts and ensure the effective implementation of its recommendations. Through collaborative efforts towards a shared objective, realistic and genuine endeavors can be undertaken to address the root causes of small arms proliferation in Somalia. This will help establish a foundation for a future that is more stable and secure for the Somali nation and its citizens.
In conclusion, FPS asserts that the imperative need to establish a national commission to tackle the small arms proliferation crisis in Somalia is paramount. It is only through proactive and innovative measures to address this urgent issue that Somalia can initiate the disruption of the cycle of violence and foster conditions conducive to long-term peace and security within its borders and the broader East African region.
The time to act is now.
FPS: Fostering thoughts; forging futures.