The “A3+” group, comprised of Algeria, Somalia, Sierra Leone, and Guyana, has called on the United Nations Security Council to hold accountable those who violate the arms embargo and undermine stability in Libya. The appeal was made in a statement delivered by Algeria’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Toufik El Aid Koudri, on behalf of the A3+ group, following a Security Council vote on a resolution renewing the authorization for member states to inspect vessels off the coast of Libya.
The resolution, adopted with 13 votes in favor, extends for six months the mandate granted to member states, acting either nationally or through regional organizations, to inspect ships on the high seas off the Libyan coast suspected of heading to or departing from the country. The A3+ group emphasized that their vote in favor of the resolution “reaffirms its commitment to the strict enforcement of the arms embargo in Libya.”
“We urge the Security Council to assume its historical responsibility and ensure that all those who violate the arms embargo and undermine the stability of the country are held accountable for their actions,” the statement continued. The group also noted that it had taken note of the recent report by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regarding the activities of the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean, Operation Irini, which included over 2,000 vessel boardings and inspections.
However, the A3+ group expressed regret that “the operation has not achieved the desired results in implementing the arms embargo” and that it “remains ineffective in the face of illegal arms flows, particularly by air and sea.” From this perspective, the A3+ group emphasized that “the existing challenge highlights the need for a comprehensive review of the working methods of this mission and strengthening its technical capabilities to prevent the illegal transfer of arms.”
The group also indicated that it continues to “advocate for enhanced transparency and accountability in the implementation of the mandate, including through strengthening the oversight role of the Sanctions Committee, particularly with regard to the disposal, destruction, and transfer of seized items.” In the same context, the group urged the European Union, through the leadership of Operation Irini, to “strengthen its cooperation with the Libyan government, particularly in the area of intelligence sharing, capacity building, and coordination on the most effective means of enforcing the arms embargo.”
