Abdullahi Salad

Mogadishu, Somalia – The National Conference on Arms Management, Ammunition, and Prevention of Improvised Explosive Devices officially opened on June 2, 2025 in Mogadishu. The two-day conference, organized by the National Security Office, was attended by federal and regional security agencies, as well as international organizations supporting the Federal Government of Somalia in security and illegal arms control.

The Minister of Defense, the Deputy Minister of Internal Security, and other officials participating in the conference shared a unified vision on the formulation of the 2025-2030 strategic plan for managing arms, ammunition, and improvised explosives.

The Minister of Defense stated that effective arms management requires modern armories for secure storage, safe transportation vehicles to distribute arms to remote areas, digital tracking systems for weapons, and rigorous accountability mechanisms between different security forces.

“The approval of the Arms and Ammunition Management Strategy for 2025-2030 is a strategic step essential for developing the skills, transparency, and accountability of our security agencies. This strategy is not just a political document but a national commitment and obligation that mandates every weapon and bullet to be managed responsibly throughout all its various stages.”Said the Minister of Defense Ahmed Mo’allim Fiqi.

He also pledged that the Federal Government of Somalia will take all necessary measures to ensure transparent and efficient arms management.

According to the Minister, Somalia remains one of the African countries most affected by explosions, citing the tragic Soobe bombing that still weighs heavily on the Somali people’s hearts.

The National Security Adviser addressed neighboring countries in the region, urging joint efforts to control arms and prevent the illegal crossing of weapons across borders.

“This message is specifically directed at our international partners, especially neighboring countries, to establish a regional framework to combat the illegal flow of weapons. This remains our top priority,” said National Security Advisor, Hussein Mo’alim.

Following the lifting of the arms embargo on Somalia in 2022, the government has repeatedly committed to strict control and proper management of the country’s arms, with the ongoing conference marking a key part of these efforts.