The Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1474, in which it finds that "the situation in Somalia constitutes a threat to international peace and security in the region."

"The territory of Somalia should not be used to undermine the stability in the subregion," the resolution states, noting with regret that "the arms embargo has been continuously violated since 1992."

The four-member panel will seek to identify anyone who continues to violate the arms embargo inside and outside Somalia "and their active supporters" in a mission that would last six months.

The resolution asks Somali and regional parties and government officials, as well as "other actors contacted outside the region to cooperate fully" with the panel.

As well as a final report on the panel's findings, a separate report will be presented to the Security Council after three months.

SPACE.WIRE