The Double Standard of the International Community on Illegal Arms Entering Somalia

The issue of illegal arms entering Somalia has once again spotlighted the glaring double standards of the so-called international community, particularly when scrutinized in light of recent evidence pointing to Ethiopia's role in exacerbating the crisis. Despite clear evidence that Ethiopia has been involved in selling heavy weaponry to individuals known for illegal arms trading and human rights violations, the international community, especially the United States, has largely turned a blind eye. Instead, the focus remains disproportionately on accusing the Somali federal government of failing to control the flow of illegal arms into the country. This raises critical questions about the motives and biases of international actors, and whether Somalia is experiencing a form of neo-colonial control under the guise of global governance.

Ethiopia's Role in Illegal Arms Trade

Reports have surfaced that Ethiopia has been selling heavy weaponry to actors involved in the illegal arms trade. These transactions not only violate international norms but also exacerbate the already fragile security situation in Somalia. Instead of holding Ethiopia accountable, the international community's silence is deafening. This reluctance to criticize Ethiopia suggests a possible ulterior motive or a selective application of international law and norms. Ethiopia's actions are in direct contravention of international regulations that govern arms sales, particularly those aimed at preventing the proliferation of weapons to non-state actors and human rights violators.

The International Community's Selective Outrage

The international community's response has been notably skewed. Rather than addressing Ethiopia's blatant violations, the narrative has shifted towards condemning the Somali federal government for its perceived inability to prevent the influx of illegal arms. This selective outrage is not only unjust but also undermines Somalia's sovereignty. It perpetuates a narrative that portrays Somalia as a failed state incapable of self-governance, thereby justifying external intervention and control.

Neo-Colonialism and Somalia's Sovereignty

The current situation can be seen as a continuation of the historical pattern of external powers exerting control over Somalia. The disproportionate focus on Somalia's failings, while ignoring Ethiopia's transgressions, suggests an underlying agenda. The United States and other Western powers appear to be using the guise of security and stability to justify their continued involvement in Somali affairs. This form of neo-colonialism undermines Somalia's sovereignty and perpetuates its dependency on external actors.

Ethiopia's Interests and International Complicity

Ethiopia's motivations in this illegal arms trade are multifaceted. By destabilizing Somalia, Ethiopia can maintain a strategic upper hand in the region. Furthermore, the international community's complicity—or at least its lack of action—suggests a tacit approval of Ethiopia's actions. This complicity is particularly evident in the context of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Ethiopia and the self-declared independent region of Somaliland. This agreement further undermines Somali sovereignty and is indicative of Ethiopia's broader regional ambitions.

Re-imposition of Arms Embargo on Somalia

The lifting of the arms embargo on Somalia was a significant step towards enabling the Somali government to rebuild its national army and assert control over its territory. However, the recent developments could be used as a pretext to re-impose the embargo. Such a move would be detrimental to Somalia's efforts to establish a stable and self-sufficient state. It would also serve the interests of those who benefit from a weakened Somalia, including both regional actors like Ethiopia and international powers looking to maintain their influence.

The Role of the United States

The United States' role in this scenario cannot be overlooked. By failing to criticize Ethiopia's actions, the U.S. appears to be prioritizing its strategic interests in the region over the principles of justice and international law. This double standard not only undermines the credibility of the international community but also perpetuates instability in Somalia.

Conclusion

The international community's response to the issue of illegal arms entering Somalia is marred by double standards and selective outrage. Ethiopia's role in this crisis has been largely ignored, while the Somali federal government faces disproportionate criticism. This biased approach undermines Somalia's sovereignty and perpetuates a cycle of dependency and instability. It is imperative for the international community to address these double standards and hold all actors accountable for their actions, ensuring that justice and fairness prevail in the region. Without such accountability, the specter of neo-colonialism will continue to loom over Somalia, preventing it from achieving true sovereignty and stability.