Security Minister Leads Monthly Meeting on Administrative Reform

MOGADISHU: The Minister of Internal Security for the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Gen. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Fartaag), presided over the Ministry’s monthly senior leadership meeting, which included the State Minister, Deputy Minister, Director General Mohamed Shire, and departmental directors.

The meeting evaluated institutional performance, financial and administrative reforms, human resource systems, strategic priorities, and actions to enhance coordination, accountability, and implementation of the Ministry’s fundamental security responsibilities. The monthly review comes amid broader efforts to reform Somalia’s security institutions as the government works to strengthen law enforcement capabilities and stabilization efforts nationwide.

Security Reforms and Modernization Drive

Minister Fartaag has been actively driving a comprehensive modernization agenda for Somalia’s internal security apparatus. The Somali Police Force Bill recently passed its first reading in parliament, with Minister Fartaag presenting a legal framework designed to modernize the national police force’s structure, responsibilities, and operations to meet the country’s evolving security challenges.

The ministry has also prioritized strengthening police capacity through international partnerships. A 10-day training program for Somali Police Force instructors, funded by the Government of Japan and held at the General Kaahiye Police Training School, was launched in Mogadishu as part of a joint initiative with the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Expanding International Security Partnerships

Beyond domestic reforms, Minister Fartaag has championed stronger engagement with multilateral security frameworks and bilateral partners. At the 93rd INTERPOL General Assembly in Marrakech, the Minister emphasized Somalia’s dedication to securing technical assistance, capacity development, and modern equipment for Somali security forces. Somalia and INTERPOL have deepened cooperation to tackle transnational organized crime, terrorism, and illicit trafficking, with Fartaag committing to improved data-sharing and operational coordination.

The Minister has also led high-level bilateral security missions in recent months. He traveled to Ouagadougou for an official visit to Burkina Faso to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation between the two nations, both of which face persistent threats from extremist groups operating across the Sahel and Horn of Africa. He led a Somali delegation to Türkiye for discussions on specialized training in counterterrorism, intelligence gathering, and crisis management.

Domestic Security Operations and Counterterrorism

The Ministry of Internal Security has been coordinating closely with the Somali National Army and international partners to intensify operations against militant networks. The Ministry and AUSSOM have vowed complete dedication to freeing the nation from the Al-Shabaab insurgency, following a series of high-level diplomatic meetings and successful frontline offensives in the Lower Shabelle region.

The cabinet recently advanced the National Policy for the Protection of Civilians during Military Operations, codifying the government’s dedication to humanitarian principles during intense combat. The Ministries of Defense and Internal Security provided detailed briefings on continuous combat operations against militant networks.

As the monthly senior leadership meeting concluded, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the strategic priorities discussed, with a focus on enhancing coordination, strengthening accountability, and delivering on the government’s fundamental security responsibilities to the Somali people.