In a letter to the United Nations Security Council President Francisco Antonio Cortorreal, Somaliland Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Yasin Hagi Mohammed took issue Qatar’s donation of 63 armored vehicles to Somalia last week, Radio Dalsan reported.

Mr Mohammed said that the diversion of weapons and other military equipment to terrorist and criminal groups “whether by design or neglect,” represents a violation of the current arms embargo on Somalia besides posing a threat to Somaliland as well as the security of neighbouring nations like Kenya.

The minister said: “Violating the UN Security Council resolution will escalate the protracted conflict with devastating consequences for Somalia and fuel further instability across the region including Somaliland.”

Mr Mohamed said that the UN resolution 2444 condemns any transfer of defence materials. He said that these arms often end up in the hands of Al Shabaab and affiliates linked to the Islamic State terrorist organisation.