UN Security Council Extends Sanctions Against Al-Shabaab Terror Group

The UN Security Council has voted to renew sanctions against the al-Shabaab terror group in Somalia, extending them until February 28, 2025, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.

The resolution, proposed by the UK, received unanimous support from all 15 members of the Security Council.

This resolution authorizes maritime interdiction to enforce the arms embargo, prevent the import of illicit arms, ban coal exports, and prohibit components used for improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Existing sanctions, including arms embargoes, travel bans, and asset freezes targeting al-Shabaab, will also remain in place.

Somalia has faced ongoing insecurity, primarily due to threats from al-Shabaab and the Daesh/ISIS terror groups. Since 2007, al-Shabaab has been engaged in conflict against the Somali government and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which is authorized by the African Union and mandated by the UN Security Council. Following the re-election of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud last year, who declared an “all-out war” on al-Shabaab, the group has intensified its attacks.