Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
Somalia’s internal security minister and the country’s police chief met with members of the national parliament on Sunday to provide a detailed update on the country’s security situation and answer questions from lawmakers. The meeting, held at Villa Hargeisa, brought together Internal Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, widely known as Fartaag, and Somali Police Force Commander General Asad Osman Abdullahi. They appeared before the Lower House committee responsible for internal affairs, regional administration, and national security, chaired by MP Fowsiyo Mohamed Sheikh.
During the session, the minister and the police chief gave lawmakers a broad overview of Somalia’s current security landscape. They explained the government’s efforts to stabilize Mogadishu and other major towns while continuing long-term plans to strengthen the capacity of security institutions. Their briefing covered several key areas, including clan-related violence, ongoing military operations against armed groups, and the gradual rebuilding of Somalia’s fragmented security apparatus.
The officials began by outlining the progress in Mogadishu, where the government has been trying to reduce insecurity by increasing patrols, improving coordination between police units, and working more closely with local communities. They noted that although challenges remain, there has been progress in responding to incidents more quickly and improving communication between security agencies. In regional areas, they said that government forces and local authorities have strengthened cooperation, especially in towns recently recovered from armed groups. This cooperation, they emphasized, is central to stabilizing liberated areas and preventing the return of insecurity.
Lawmakers took the opportunity to question the two security leaders on issues that have raised public concern in recent months. One of the main topics was clan clashes, which continue to occur in some regions. The MPs asked what measures the government is taking to prevent such conflicts and resolve them peacefully. The minister responded by highlighting ongoing dialogue efforts, community outreach, and cooperation with local elders to tackle disputes before they escalate. He said the government is determined to reduce clan violence through both preventive strategies and fair enforcement of the law.
The committee also questioned the officials about the progress of security and military operations across the country. They asked for clarity on how operations are being conducted, what challenges exist on the ground, and how the government plans to maintain areas secured by the national army and allied forces. The police chief and the minister assured lawmakers that operations are continuing steadily and that the government is working to ensure security gains are not lost. They added that coordination among the army, police, and intelligence services is improving, which will help address threats more effectively.
Another major point of discussion was the rebuilding of Somalia’s national security forces, which have long suffered from fragmentation and competing chains of command. MPs wanted to understand how the government plans to unify these forces, professionalize them, and equip them adequately. The minister explained that although it is a gradual process, progress is being made through new training programs, restructuring efforts, and the creation of clearer command systems. He noted that the government is committed to establishing a strong, unified security sector capable of protecting the country without relying on external support.
By the end of the meeting, both sides agreed that such engagements are essential to improving accountability and ensuring that the security sector continues to make progress. The parliamentary committee and the security leadership pledged to hold more sessions regularly, saying that open communication would help speed up reforms, strengthen cooperation, and contribute to Somalia’s long-term stability.