Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2444 (2018), Security Council Lifts Sanctions on Eritrea, Renews Arms Embargo against Somalia
Hailing the recent and historic rapprochements in the Horn of Africa, the Security Council today decided to lift the arms embargo, travel ban, assets freeze and targeted sanctions previously imposed on Eritrea, while simultaneously renewing its sanctions imposed against neighbouring Somalia.
Unanimously adopting resolution 2444 (2018) under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, the 15‑member Council terminated those measures imposed on Eritrea by its resolutions 1907 (2009), 2023 (2011), 2060 (2012) and 2111 (2013). It further decided to terminate the mandate of its Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group — effective 16 December — and to replace it with a Panel of Experts on Somalia tasked with overseeing the remaining sanctions on that country.
By the terms of the text, the Council welcomed a recent meeting between a representative of the Government of Eritrea and the Chair of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 751 (1992) and 1907 (2009) concerning Somalia and Eritrea, as well a meeting between a representative of the Government of Eritrea and the Coordinator of the Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group.
It also welcomed a September meeting between the Presidents of Djibouti and Eritrea; underlined the importance of continuing efforts towards the normalization of relations between the countries; and urged them to continue efforts to settle their border dispute peacefully in line with international law through conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement or other pacific means laid out in Article 33 of the United Nations Charter.
Recalling that over the course of its current and four previous mandates the Monitoring Group had not found conclusive evidence that Eritrea supports the Al‑Shabaab terrorist group, the Council also expressed its satisfaction that funds derived from Eritrea’s mining sector are not contributing to violations of resolutions 1844 (2008), 1862 (2009), 1907 (2009) or 2023 (2011). In that regard, it decided that, from today’s date forward, States are no longer required to undertake the measures set out in paragraph 13 of resolution 2023 (2011) related to firms in their territory or jurisdiction that are active in Eritrea’s mining sector.
With regards to Somalia, the Council — renewing the arms embargo imposed by paragraph 5 of resolution 733 (1992), further elaborated upon in paragraphs 1 and 2 of resolution 1425 (2002) and modified in various subsequent resolutions —decided to renew the provisions set out in paragraph 2 of resolution 2142 (2014) until 15 November 2019. Those provided sanction exemptions for deliveries of weapons, ammunition or military equipment or the provision of advice, assistance or training intended solely for the development of the Security Forces of the Federal Government of Somalia to provide security for the Somali people.
The Council also decided that the newly established Panel of Experts on Somalia will continue the investigations started by the Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group related to the export to Somalia of various chemicals that may be used as oxidisers in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices. Condemning Al‑Shabaab’s increased revenue from natural resources and expressing concern about the group’s involvement in the illicit charcoal trade, it requested the Federal Government of Somalia to cooperate with the Panel of Experts to facilitate interviews of suspected members of Al‑Shabaab and Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh) held in Government custody in order to assist the Panel with its investigations.
Expressing concern about continued reports of corruption and the diversion of public resources in Somalia, the Council also underlined that individuals engaged in acts that threaten the country’s peace and reconciliation process may be listed for targeted measures. It further reaffirmed its decision regarding the ban on the import and export of Somali charcoal — as set out in paragraph 22 of resolution 2036 (2012) — and urged Member States to continue their efforts to ensure its full implementation while reiterating that individuals and entities in violation may also be listed for targeted measures.
By other terms, the Council decided that until 15 November 2019 and without prejudice to humanitarian assistance programmes conducted elsewhere, the measures imposed by paragraph 3 of resolution 1844 (2008) — namely, an assets freeze — will not apply to the payment of funds, other financial assets or economic resources necessary to ensure the timely delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance in Somalia. It also decided to expand the targeted sanctions on Somalia to include the planning, directing or commission of acts involving sexual and gender‑based violence.
Following the adoption, Council members took the floor to hail a “new era of peaceful cooperation” in the Horn of Africa. Some speakers, welcoming the rapprochement between Eritrea and Djibouti, expressed hope that while the world remains a chaotic place, some “winds of hope are blowing”. Several delegates emphasized that the lifting of sanctions does not relieve the Security Council from its responsibility to closely monitor the situation, citing remaining security challenges, a not‑yet‑resolved border dispute between Eritrea and Djibouti and the overall fragility of the peace between those two countries. Others underlined the importance of maintaining pressure on any spoilers in Somalia — including through the newly reconstituted Panel of Experts — and strongly condemned deadly the Al‑Shabaab bomb attacks that killed more than 50 civilians in Mogadishu last week.
Karen Pierce (United Kingdom), whose delegation sponsored today’s resolution, said the text recognizes recent positive developments in the Horn of Africa while committing the Council to support the ongoing normalization of relations between the subregion’s nations. Among other things, she stressed that the text sends an important message that if the right progress is made sanctions can be lifted by the Council in good time.
Taye Atske Selassie Amde (Ethiopia), welcoming the adoption of the balanced and properly negotiated text, said his subregion’s trajectory has changed dramatically in recent years. Citing major historic developments, including the recent rapprochement between Eritrea and Djibouti, he stressed that the easing of tensions is “changing the landscape of the Horn of Africa and beyond”. It is critical for the Security Council to take such important decisions when countries are turning a new page, he said, adding that its decision today will help countries usher in a new era of friendship.
Vassily A. Nebenzia (Russian Federation), joining others in welcoming the resolution’s adoption, underscored that his delegation has long favoured the lifting of outdated sanctions imposed against Eritrea. He also voiced concern about the decision to add the crimes of sexual and gender‑based violence to the listing criteria for targeted sanctions against individuals and entities in Somalia, warning that it will result in reducing those measures’ effectiveness. “This particular issue is not our remit,” he stressed, noting that the Human Rights Council and the Commission on the Status of Women, among others, are the proper forums to address such matters.
“The long overdue call for justice is finally answered,” said Amanuel Giorgio (Eritrea), emphasizing that the lifting of sanctions marks an end to a difficult period for his country and the region. Voicing regret over sanctions’ harmful consequences across the entire Horn of Africa, he commended his people for enduring that hardship, adding that they will now work to build a peaceful, prosperous and confident country. Thanking Ethiopia and Somalia for their courageous position in calling for the immediate lifting of sanctions, he also welcomed the Council’s support for efforts to usher in a new era. “The region now needs understanding and the policy space to chart its own future, based on shared history, culture and interest of the people of the region,” he said.
Mohamed Siad Doualeh (Djibouti), welcoming the lifting of sanctions on Eritrea, as well as the Council’s concern over his country’s security, expressed support for calls to accelerate the regional roadmap and extend the mandate of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). However, Al‑Shabab remains a danger that must be faced and all unresolved differences on boundaries and other issues must not be allowed to linger. His Government remains committed to deepening dialogue with Eritrea for those purposes and to ensure the release of 13 remaining prisoners of war. Among other things, he urged Council members to ensure that the current momentum be maintained in order to transform the region for the better.
Abukar Dahir Osman (Somalia) congratulated Eritrea for withstanding the hardship of decades of sanctions and hailed the normalization of relations in the subregion. Reiterating his request that sanctions against his own country be lifted, he said those flawed and outdated measures violate Somalia’s sovereignty and prevent it from building an effective national army. Al‑Shabaab continues to strike within Somalia and while nations around the globe offer their condolences, they fail to recognize that their sanctions do not effectively target that dangerous terrorist group. Al‑Shabaab continues to receive weapons and support from abroad and the impact of the war in Yemen — just across the Gulf of Aden — is particular acute, as Somalia remains unable to properly protect its coastline. “What is the purpose of the sanctions if violations by Member States are not addressed by the Council?” he asked.
Also speaking were representatives of Sweden, Kazakhstan, United States, France, Poland, Netherlands, Equatorial Guinea, Bolivia, Peru, Kuwait and China.
The meeting began at 10:05 a.m. and ended at 11:10 a.m.
Resolution
The full text of resolution 2444 (2018) reads as follows:
“The Security Council,
“Recalling all its previous resolutions and statements of its President on the situation in Somalia and Eritrea, in particular resolutions 733 (1992), 1844 (2008), 1907 (2009), 2023 (2011), 2036 (2012), 2093 (2013), 2111 (2013), 2124 (2013), 2125 (2013), 2142 (2014), 2182 (2014), 2244 (2015), 2317 (2016) and 2385 (2017),
“Taking note of the final reports of the Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group (the SEMG) on Somalia (S/2018/1002) and Eritrea (S/2018/1003) and their conclusions on the situations in Somalia and Eritrea,
“Reaffirming its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia, Djibouti and Eritrea, and underscoring the importance of working to prevent destabilising effects of regional crises and disputes from spilling over into Somalia,
“Condemning Al‑Shabaab attacks in Somalia and beyond, expressing concern that Al‑Shabaab continues to pose a serious threat to the peace and stability of Somalia and the region, and further expressing concern at the presence of affiliates linked to Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh) and the security implications of the situation in Yemen for Somalia,
“Reaffirming the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law, including applicable international human rights law, international refugee law, and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts,
“Underlining its support for the efforts of the Somali authorities to deliver stability and security in Somalia and to reduce the threats to peace and security posed by Al-Shabaab and affiliates linked to ISIL (also known as Da’esh),
“Condemning any flows of weapons and ammunition supplies to and through Somalia in violation of the arms embargo on Somalia, including when they result in supplies to Al-Shabaab and affiliates linked to ISIL (also known as Da’esh) and when they undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia, as a serious threat to peace and stability in the region, and expressing concern at reports of increased illegal flows of weapons and ammunition supplies from Yemen to Somalia,
“Welcoming the cooperation between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), the Federal Member States (FMSs), and the SEMG, and underlining the importance of these relationships improving further and strengthening in the future,
“Welcoming the development of a conditions-based transition plan with clear target dates for the progressive transfer of security responsibilities from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to the Somali security institutions and forces, calling for its swift and coordinated implementation with full participation from all stakeholders, and recalling the critical importance of accelerating the implementation of the National Security Architecture agreement between the FGS and the FMSs, including decisions to define the composition and roles of Somalia’s security forces and to integrate and provide federal support to regional forces, in order to provide the foundation for a successful transition to Somali‑led security,
“Taking note of the efforts of the FGS to improve its notifications to the Committee pursuant to resolutions 751 (1992) and 1907 (2009) concerning Somalia and Eritrea (“the Committee”), urging further progress in this regard, and recalling that improved arms and ammunition management in Somalia is a fundamental component of greater peace and stability for the region,
“Commending the efforts of the FGS to restore key economic and financial institutions, increase domestic revenue and implement financial governance and structural reforms, welcoming the continued progress on building a track record of reforms under the International Monetary Fund Staff‑Monitored Programme, together with progress on the anti-corruption bill, and highlighting the importance of continual progress in these areas,
“Welcoming the FGS’s efforts to implement the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act (2015) and the National Communications Act (2017), underlining the importance of compliance with the counter‑terrorism and national security provisions in this legislation, and further welcoming the establishment of a Financial Reporting Centre to serve as Somalia’s financial intelligence unit,
“Underlining the importance of financial propriety in contributing to stability and prosperity, welcoming the efforts of the FGS to address corruption, and stressing the need for a zero‑tolerance approach to corruption to promote transparency and increase mutual accountability in Somalia,
“Expressing serious concern at reports of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in waters where Somalia has jurisdiction, underlining the importance of refraining from illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, welcoming further reporting on the matter, and encouraging the FGS, with the support of the international community, to ensure that fishing licenses are issued in a responsible manner and in line with the appropriate Somali legal framework,
“Expressing serious concern at the ongoing difficulties in delivering humanitarian aid in Somalia, and condemning in the strongest terms any party obstructing the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance, any misappropriation or diversion of any humanitarian funds or supplies, and acts of violence against and harassment of humanitarian workers,
“Recalling that the FGS has the primary responsibility to protect its population, and recognising the FGS’s responsibility, working with the FMSs, to build the capacity of its own national security forces, as a matter of priority,
“Welcoming the FGS’s efforts to address sexual- and gender‑based violence, encouraging strengthened reporting mechanisms to facilitate prosecutions, and further encouraging the FGS to continue to implement its National Action Plan on Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict through training, accountability, victim support and oversight of the security sector,
“Commending efforts towards peace, stability and reconciliation in the region, including the signing of the Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship between Eritrea and Ethiopia on 9 July 2018, the signing of the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Cooperation between Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea on 5 September 2018, and the signing of the Agreement on Peace, Friendship and Comprehensive Cooperation between Eritrea and Ethiopia on 16 September 2018,
“Taking note of the decision of the Secretary‑General to appoint a new Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa who will, inter alia, work with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other relevant subregional and regional organisations in consolidating recent gains in peace and security in the region, and carry out good offices on behalf of the Secretary‑General,
“Regretting that the SEMG has not been able to visit Eritrea since 2011 and fully discharge its mandate, and welcoming the meeting on 5 October 2018 between the representative of the Government of Eritrea and the Coordinator of the SEMG,
“Welcoming that in recent months several armed groups in the region have declared that they will cease hostilities and engage peacefully in efforts to pursue reconciliation in the region,
“Expressing concern at ongoing reports of Djiboutian combatants missing in action since the clashes in 2008, calling on Eritrea and Djibouti to continue to engage in resolving the issues of combatants, and urging Eritrea to share any further available detailed information pertaining to the combatants,
“Taking note of increased engagement between Eritrea and Djibouti, strongly encouraging further efforts towards normalisation of relations and good neighbourhood between Djibouti and Eritrea, including cooperation in accordance with international law to resolve any disputes regarding their shared border, and reaffirming its readiness to continue to assist the parties in the peaceful settlement of any prolonged disputes,
“Determining that the situation in Somalia continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,
“Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
Lifting of arms embargoes, travel bans, asset freezes and targeted sanctions on Eritrea
“1. Recalls paragraphs 16 and 17 of resolution 1907 (2009) and recognises that during the course of its current and four previous mandates the SEMG has not found conclusive evidence that Eritrea supports Al-Shabaab;
“2. Welcomes the meeting on 25 September 2018 between the representative of the Government of Eritrea and the Chair of the Committee, and further welcomes the meeting on 5 October 2018 between the representative of the Government of Eritrea and the Coordinator of the SEMG, with the participation of the Chair of the Committee;
“3. Welcomes the meeting between the President of Djibouti and the President of Eritrea in Jeddah on 17 September 2018, underlines the importance of continuing efforts towards the normalisation of relations between Eritrea and Djibouti for regional peace, stability and reconciliation, and encourages Member States, international, regional and subregional organisations and other parties to continue to support these efforts including through their good offices;
“4. Decides to lift from the date of adoption of this resolution the arms embargoes, travel bans, asset freezes and targeted sanctions imposed on Eritrea by the Security Council in its resolutions 1907 (2009), 2023 (2011), 2060 (2012) and 2111 (2013);
“5. Expresses its satisfaction that funds derived from the mining sector of Eritrea are not contributing to violations of resolutions 1844 (2008), 1862 (2009), 1907 (2009) or 2023 (2011), and decides that from the date of adoption of this resolution, States are no longer required to undertake the measures set out in paragraph 13 of resolution 2023 (2011);
“6. Urges Eritrea and Djibouti to engage on the issue of the Djiboutian combatants missing in action including through the mediation of any relevant party of their own choosing, and further urges Eritrea to make available any further detailed information;
“7. Urges the two parties to continue efforts to settle their border dispute peacefully in a manner consistent with international law by conciliation, arbitration or judicial settlement, or by any other means of pacific dispute settlement identified in Article 33 of the Charter upon which they agree;
“8. Affirms that it will continue to follow developments towards the normalisation of relations between Eritrea and Djibouti and will support the two countries in the resolution of these matters in good faith;
Committee
“9. Decides that the mandate of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 751 (1992) and 1907 (2009) concerning Somalia and Eritrea, hereafter to be known as the Committee pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) concerning Somalia (“the Committee”), shall include the tasks as set out in paragraph 11 of resolution 751 (1992), paragraph 11 of resolution 1844 (2008), and paragraph 23 of resolution 2036 (2012), and requests that the Committee amends its guidelines, its implementation assistance notices and its website accordingly;
Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group
“10. Decides to terminate the mandate of the Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group (SEMG), with effect from 16 December 2018;
Panel of Experts on Somalia
“11. Decides to establish, with effect from the date of adoption of this resolution, until 15 December 2019, the Panel of Experts on Somalia, further decides that the mandate of the Panel of Experts shall include the tasks as set out in paragraph 13 of resolution 2060 (2012) and updated in paragraph 41 of resolution 2093 (2013), paragraph 15 of resolution 2182 (2014), paragraph 23 of resolution 2036 (2012) and paragraph 29 of this resolution as they relate to Somalia, and expresses its intention to review the mandate and take appropriate action regarding any extensions of the mandate of the Panel of Experts no later than 15 November 2019;
“12. Requests the Secretary‑General to take the necessary administrative measures as expeditiously as possible to establish the Panel of Experts, consisting of six members and to be based in Nairobi, in consultation with the Committee, until 15 December 2019, drawing, as appropriate, on the expertise of the members of the SEMG established pursuant to previous resolutions, and further requests the Panel of Experts to include the necessary gender expertise, in line with paragraph 6 of resolution 2242 (2015);
Somalia Arms embargo
“13. Reaffirms the arms embargo on Somalia, imposed by paragraph 5 of resolution 733 (1992) and further elaborated upon in paragraphs 1 and 2 of resolution 1425 (2002) and modified by paragraphs 33 to 38 of resolution 2093 (2013) and paragraphs 4 to 17 of resolution 2111 (2013), paragraph 14 of resolution 2125 (2013), paragraph 2 of resolution 2142 (2014), paragraph 2 of resolution 2244 (2015), paragraph 2 of resolution 2317 (2016) and paragraph 2 of resolution 2385 (2017) (hereafter referred to as “the arms embargo on Somalia”);
“14. Decides to renew the provisions set out in paragraph 2 of resolution 2142 (2014) until 15 November 2019, and in that context reiterates that the arms embargo on Somalia shall not apply to deliveries of weapons, ammunition or military equipment or the provision of advice, assistance or training, intended solely for the development of the Somali National Security Forces, to provide security for the Somali people, except in relation to deliveries of the items set out in the annex of resolution 2111 (2013);
“15. Reaffirms its decision that the entry into Somali ports for temporary visits of vessels carrying arms and related materiel for defensive purposes does not amount to a delivery of such items in violation of the arms embargo on Somalia, provided that such items remain at all times aboard such vessels;
“16. Reiterates its decision that weapons or military equipment sold or supplied solely for the development of the Somali National Security Forces may not be resold to, transferred to, or made available for use by, any individual or entity not in the service of the Somali National Security Forces, and underlines the responsibility of the FGS and the FMSs to ensure the safe and effective management, storage and security of their stockpiles;
“17. Welcomes in this regard the improvements made by the FGS in weapons registration, recording and marking procedures and encourages further improvements, expresses concern at reports of continued weapons diversion from within the FGS and FMSs, notes that further improved weapons and ammunition management is vital in order to prevent the diversion of weapons and ammunition, and reiterates that the Security Council is committed to monitoring and assessing improvements in order to review the arms embargo when all conditions as set out in Security Council resolutions are met;
“18. Calls upon the FGS to facilitate access for the Panel of Experts, on the basis of written requests to the FGS by the Panel of Experts submitted at least ten days in advance, to all FGS armouries in Mogadishu, all FGS imported weapons and ammunition prior to distribution, all FGS military storage facilitates in Somalia National Army (SNA) sectors and all captured weaponry in FGS custody, and to allow photographs of weapons and ammunition in FGS custody and access to all FGS logbooks and distribution records, in order to enable the Security Council to monitor and assess progress in this area;
“19. Welcomes the ongoing efforts of the FGS to develop detailed Standard Operating Procedures for weapons and ammunition management including an issue and receipt system to track all weapons post distribution, further welcomes the development of a mechanism to distribute weapons and ammunition to regional forces, consistent with the requirements of this resolution including paragraph 16, encourages that such a mechanism be expanded to include other military equipment and supplies, consistent with the requirements of this resolution including paragraph 16, and urges the FGS to finalise and implement these procedures as soon as possible;
“20. Welcomes the establishment of the Joint Verification Team (JVT) and urges Member States to support improved weapons and ammunition management to improve the capacity of the FGS to manage weapons and ammunition;
“21. Takes notes of FGS reporting to the Security Council pursuant to paragraph 9 of resolution 2182 (2014) and as requested in paragraph 7 of resolution 2244 (2015), calls on the FGS and FMSs to accelerate the implementation of the National Security Architecture agreement, the Security Pact, and the transition plan in order to provide Somali‑led security and protection to the people of Somalia, and requests the FGS to report to the Security Council in accordance with paragraph 9 of resolution 2182 (2014) and as requested in paragraph 7 of resolution 2244 (2015), by 15 March 2019 and then by 15 September 2019, on the structure, composition, strength and disposition of its Security Forces, including the status of regional and militia forces, and to include as annexes the reports of the JVT requested in paragraph 7 of resolution 2182 (2014);
“22. Recalls that the FGS has the primary responsibility to notify the Committee of any deliveries of weapons, ammunition or military equipment or the provision of advice, assistance or training to its Security Forces, pursuant to paragraphs 3 to 8 of resolution 2142 (2014), and calls upon the FGS to improve its notifications to the Committee;
“23. Calls upon the FGS to continue to improve the timeliness and content of notifications regarding the completion of deliveries, as set out in paragraph 6 of resolution 2142 (2014);
“24. Requests the FGS to incorporate the notifications regarding the destination unit in the Somali National Security Forces upon distribution of imported arms and ammunition, detailed in paragraph 7 of resolution 2142 (2014), into the regular FGS reporting to the Security Council requested in paragraph 20;
“25. Stresses Member States’ obligations pursuant to the notification procedures set out in paragraph 11 (a) of resolution 2111 (2013), urges Member States to strictly follow the notification procedures for providing assistance to develop Somali security sector institutions, and encourages Member States to consider Implementation Assistance Notice No.2 of the Committee as a guide;
“26. Recalls paragraph 2 of resolution 2142 (2014) and notes that support for the development of the Somali National Security Forces may include, inter alia, building infrastructure and provision of salaries and stipends solely provided to the Somali National Security Forces;
“27. Urges increased cooperation by the FGS, FMSs and AMISOM, as set out in paragraph 6 of resolution 2182 (2014), to document and register all military equipment captured as part of offensive operations or in the course of carrying out their mandates;
“28. Calls upon the FGS and FMSs to enhance civilian oversight of their security forces, to continue to adopt and implement appropriate vetting procedures of all defence and security personnel, including human rights vetting, and to investigate and as appropriate prosecute individuals responsible for violations of international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law, and in this context recalls the importance of the Secretary‑General’s Human Rights and Due Diligence Policy in relation to the support provided by the United Nations to Somali security forces;
“29. Decides that the Panel of Experts will continue the investigations started by the SEMG related to the export to Somalia of chemicals that may be used as oxidisers in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices, such as the precursors ammonium nitrate, potassium chlorate, potassium nitrate and sodium chlorate with a view to considering further action, and calls on Members States and the FGS to cooperate with the Panel of Experts in this regard;
“30. Underlines the importance of timely and predictable payment of salaries to the Somali security forces and calls on the FGS to continue to implement systems to improve the timeliness and accountability of payments and supply of provisions to the Somali security forces, and welcomes the progress made to date on biometric registration;
“31. Recalls the need to build the capacities of the Somali National Security Forces, in particular the provision of equipment, training and mentoring, in order to develop credible, professional and representative security forces to enable the gradual handing over of security responsibilities from AMISOM to the Somali security forces in line with the transition plan, and encourages further donor support and coordination as set out in the Security Pact;
“32. Requests the Secretary‑General to conduct a technical assessment regarding the arms embargo, with options and recommendations for improving implementation, by 15 May 2019;
Threats to peace and security in Somalia
“33. Condemns Al-Shabaab’s increased revenue from natural resources including the taxing of the illicit sugar trade, agricultural production and livestock, further expresses concern at the group’s involvement in the illicit charcoal trade, and welcomes the Panel of Experts’ reporting on these issues;
“34. Requests the FGS to cooperate with the Panel of Experts to facilitate interviews of suspected members of Al‑Shabaab and ISIL (also known as D’aesh) held in FGS custody, in order to assist the Panel of Experts with its investigations;
“35. Welcomes the efforts that the FGS has made to improve its financial management procedures including the successful completion of two International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff-Monitoring programmes and the commitments to further reform made under the third Staff-Monitored programme, encourages the FGS and FMSs to maintain the pace of reform to increase transparency, accountability, comprehensiveness and predictability in revenue collection and budget allocations, and expresses concern at the generation and distribution of counterfeit Somali currency;
“36. Expresses concern at the continued reports of corruption and diversion of public resources, including reports of alleged financial impropriety involving members of the FGS, FMSs, Federal Parliament and Somali opposition groups which pose a risk to state-building efforts, and in this context strongly welcomes the steps taken by the FGS to address cases of corruption and to develop anti‑corruption legislation;
“37. Underlines that individuals engaged in acts that threaten the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia may be listed for targeted measures;
“38. Recognises that addressing outstanding constitutional issues around power and resource sharing between the FGS and FMSs is crucial for Somalia’s stability, calls upon the FGS and the FMSs to work constructively together to address these issues in an inclusive manner, and encourages the FGS and FMSs to implement the outstanding elements of the National Security Architecture agreement, including decisions around the make‑up, distribution and command and control of the security forces and resource‑sharing;
“39. Reaffirms Somalia’s sovereignty over its natural resources;
“40. Reiterates its serious concern that the petroleum sector in Somalia could be a driver for increased conflict, welcomes the political agreement on petroleum and mineral resource-sharing reached by the FGS and the FMSs in June 2018, and underlines the vital importance of the FGS and FMSs putting in place, without undue delay, resource-sharing arrangements and credible legal frameworks to ensure that the petroleum sector in Somalia does not become a source of increased tension;
Somalia Charcoal ban
“41. Reaffirms its decision regarding the ban on the import and export of Somali charcoal, as set out in paragraph 22 of resolution 2036 (2012) (“the charcoal ban”), welcomes efforts of Member States to prevent the import of charcoal of Somali origin, reiterates that the FGS and FMSs shall take the necessary measures to prevent the export of charcoal from Somalia, urges Member States to continue their efforts to ensure full implementation of the ban, and further reiterates that individuals and entities engaged in acts which violate the charcoal ban may be listed for targeted measures;
“42. Reiterates its requests in paragraph 18 of resolution 2111 (2013) and paragraph 16 of resolution 2431 (2018) that AMISOM support and assist the FGS and FMSs in implementing the total ban on the export of charcoal from Somalia, and calls upon AMISOM to facilitate regular access for the Panel of Experts to charcoal exporting ports;
“43. Welcomes the efforts of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) to disrupt the export and import of charcoal to and from Somalia, and further welcomes the cooperation between the Panel of Experts and CMF in keeping the Committee informed on the charcoal trade;
“44. Expresses concern that the charcoal trade provides significant funding for Al‑Shabaab, and in that context reiterates paragraphs 11 to 21 of resolution 2182 (2014), and further decides to renew the provisions set out in paragraph 15 of resolution 2182 (2014) until 15 November 2019;
“45. Condemns the ongoing export of charcoal from Somalia, in violation of the total ban on the export of charcoal, calls on Member States to share information with the Panel of Experts, requests the Panel of Experts to continue to focus on this in their next report and propose further measures, taking account of human rights concerns, and expresses its intention to consider further measures if violations continue;
“46. Encourages the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to continue its work with the FGS, within its current mandate, under the Indian Ocean Forum on Maritime Crime to bring together relevant Member States and international organisations to develop strategies to disrupt the trade in Somali charcoal;
Humanitarian access in Somalia
“47. Expresses grave concern at the ongoing humanitarian situation in Somalia and its impact on the people of Somalia, commends the efforts of the United Nations humanitarian agencies and other humanitarian actors to deliver life-saving assistance to vulnerable populations, condemns in the strongest terms attacks against humanitarian actors and any misuse of donor assistance and the obstruction of the delivery of humanitarian aid, reiterates its demand that all parties allow and facilitate full, safe and unhindered access for the timely delivery of aid to persons in need across Somalia, and encourages the FGS to improve the regulatory environment for aid donors;
“48. Decides that until 15 November 2019 and without prejudice to humanitarian assistance programmes conducted elsewhere, the measures imposed by paragraph 3 of resolution 1844 (2008) shall not apply to the payment of funds, other financial assets or economic resources necessary to ensure the timely delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance in Somalia, by the United Nations, its specialised agencies or programmes, humanitarian organisations having observer status with the United Nations General Assembly that provide humanitarian assistance, and their implementing partners including bilaterally or multilaterally funded non-governmental organisations participating in the United Nations Humanitarian Response Plan for Somalia;
“49. Requests the Emergency Relief Coordinator to report to the Security Council by 15 October 2019 on the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Somalia and on any impediments to the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Somalia, and requests relevant United Nations agencies and humanitarian organisations having observer status with the United Nations General Assembly and their implementing partners that provide humanitarian assistance in Somalia to increase their cooperation and willingness to share information with the United Nations;
Targeted sanctions in Somalia
“50. Recalls its decisions in resolution 1844 (2008) which imposed targeted sanctions and resolutions 2002 (2011) and 2093 (2013) which expanded the listing criteria, notes one of the listing criteria under resolution 1844 (2008) is engaging in or providing support for acts that threaten the peace, security or stability of Somalia, and decides that such acts may also include but are not limited to planning, directing or committing acts involving sexual and gender‑based violence;
“51. Reiterates its willingness to adopt targeted measures against individuals and entities on the basis of the above-mentioned criteria;
“52. Recalls paragraph 2 (c) of resolution 2060 (2012) and emphasises that certain misappropriation of financial resources is a criterion for designation and applies to misappropriation at all levels;
“53. Reiterates its request for Member States to assist the Panel of Experts in its investigations, and further requests the FGS, FMSs and AMISOM to share information with the Panel of Experts regarding Al‑Shabaab activities;
Reporting
“54. Requests the Panel of Experts to provide monthly updates to the Committee pursuant to resolution 751 (1992), and a comprehensive midterm update, as well as to submit, for the Security Council’s consideration, through the Committee, a final report by 15 October 2019;
“55. Requests the Committee, in accordance with its mandate and in consultation with the Panel of Experts and other relevant United Nations entities, to consider the recommendations contained in the reports of the Panel of Experts and recommend to the Security Council ways to improve the implementation of and compliance with the Somalia arms embargo, the measures regarding the import and export of charcoal from Somalia, as well as implementation of the measures imposed by paragraphs 1, 3 and 7 of resolutions 1844 (2008) in response to continuing violations;
“56. Requests the Committee to consider, where and when appropriate, visits to selected countries by the Chair and/or Committee members to enhance the full and effective implementation of the measures above, with a view to encouraging States to comply fully with this resolution;
“57. Requests the Secretary‑General to keep the Security Council informed of developments towards the normalisation of relations between Eritrea and Djibouti and to report to the Security Council no later than 15 February 2019 and every six months thereafter, and expresses its intention to keep this request under review in light of developments;
“58. Decides to remain seized of the matter.”