EXCLUSIVE: Details Emerge on the Weapons and Munition Seizure in Abudwak town

Samira Gaid, a security expert and former head of Somali security sector reform, expressed her concerns on Twitter:

"The lifting of the arms embargo on Somalia needs strict oversight to protect that gain and ensure safety and stability. The unverified videos from Abudwak are disturbing and allude to a breakdown of security and order. Procurement of weapons and ammunition must remain centrally managed."

Unverified reports indicate that two senior politicians from the Galgudud region were involved in smuggling arms from Ethiopia. These arms were subsequently sold, leading to confrontations between security guards, convoys, and militias. The clashes resulted in the weapons falling into the hands of militias and civilians, causing casualties.

Somalia's Ministries of Security and Defense did not provide details about the military consignment and motives behind this action which many say will only add fuel to the deadly conflicts between clans in Galgudud and Mudug regions in central Somalia.

This seizure underscores the ongoing challenges Somalia faces in controlling the influx of illegal arms and maintaining security and stability in the region. This comes six months after the United Nations' Security Council lifted arms embargo on Somalia.