The Security Advisor to the President of Puntland, Abdi Hirsi Ali Qarjab, said that illegal weapons easily enter Puntland, and that there are businessmen who specialize in importing such weapons, who are able to quickly import various types of weapons when they receive money.
Abdi Hirsi Ali Qarjab pointed out that even someone who cannot currently carry a weapon can immediately obtain new weapons, which can be imported from the coast or other parts of the country.
The advisor to the President of Puntland said that the flow of illegal weapons can be controlled, by banning illegal weapons in general and also by implementing a strict law prohibiting the import of weapons, while taking strict action against anyone who imports weapons into Puntland, and confiscating those weapons.
“Any weapon that is not owned by the government is illegal. If it is imported, it must be seized, and whoever is found must be brought to court and the weapon must be confiscated,” said Qarjab, stressing that laws have already been enacted, but the biggest challenge is their implementation.
The Presidential Security Advisor warned that a law that is not effectively implemented will remain just talk, and called for an effective mechanism to control illegal weapons, to ensure security and public order in Puntland.
This statement comes at a time when there are allegations in Puntland regarding politicians and businessmen suspected of being involved in the importation of light and heavy weapons, which are mostly purchased from Yemen, one of the largest illegal arms trading areas, according to previous reports issued by the United Nations.
Similarly, the United Nations Security Council has previously added Puntland individuals to its sanctions list accused of being involved in the illegal arms trade, some of which is said to end up in the hands of Al-Shabaab and ISIS.
