At least five people were killed in central Somalia on Monday when militiamen ambushed a convoy carrying heavy weapons, raising fresh concerns about the consequences of lifting a decades-long arms embargo.
The incident occurred near the town of Abudwaq, where a local clan militia overpowered security forces escorting the convoy.
Residents reported that the seized weapons included machine guns, anti-aircraft weapons, and rocket-propelled grenades, and originated from neighboring Ethiopia.
“It’s a tragedy that lives were lost over weapons,” said Ahmed Shire, a security advisor to the Galmudug State president.”
These weapons are now in the hands of civilians.”
Analysts fear the incident could mark a significant escalation in arms proliferation within Somalia.
Rashid Abdi, an expert with the Sahan Research think-tank, called it “the most serious case of arms proliferation in central Somalia” and expressed worry that some weapons could end up with al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda affiliate.
Abdi further criticized the lifting of the arms embargo, calling it “a strategic mistake.”
The UN Security Council lifted the last remaining restrictions on the embargo in December 2023, after more than 30 years in place.
The Somali government argued this move would bolster its national forces and counter security threats like al-Shabaab’s insurgency, which has plagued the country for nearly two decades.
The situation is further complicated by the planned withdrawal of African Union peacekeepers.
While Somalia aims to take over security responsibilities, both the AU and the Somali government warn of a potential security vacuum if the withdrawal happens too quickly.
Clan-based militias, who have previously fought alongside government forces against al-Shabaab, have also been known to engage in internal conflicts over resources and land. The recent deadly ambush highlights the challenges Somalia faces in securing its territory and managing the flow of weapons.
