Mogadishu, (SONNA) — The Minister of Defence of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, today attended the Somalia Security Sector Governance Review, which brought together senior officials from the Federal Government of Somalia, the World Bank, and International Partners.
The meeting focused on strengthening governance, accountability, and institutional reform across Somalia’s security sector, particularly the legal framework, personnel and payroll management systems, procurement and contracting controls, pension reform, and the long-term sustainability of the Somali National Armed Forces.
Minister Fiqi stated that Somalia’s security transformation is not measured by military operations alone, but also by the strength of its security institutions, the integrity of its systems, and the accountability of its forces. He highlighted the progress made by the Ministry of Defence in the nationwide force census and biometric registration, through which the accurate number of personnel was verified and a credible national force registry was established.
The Minister also noted that the Ministry is moving towards a monthly personnel verification system directly linked to payroll and presence at duty stations and operational areas, ensuring that identity, duty status, and salary payments are fully aligned. He further emphasised the importance of the Defence Bill, procurement and contracting reform, the sustainability of the pension system, and the establishment of the agency for the care of martyrs’ orphans, disabled personnel, and retirees.
Minister Fiqi thanked the World Bank and International Partners for their support to Somalia’s security sector reform, particularly in strengthening analytical work, institutional systems, and accountable governance.
The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Internal Security, H.E. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, the Deputy Minister of Finance, H.E. Abdiqafar Elmi Haange, the Director General of the Presidency, Mr Abdihakim Yusuf, the Senior Defence Affairs Advisor to the President, Ms Jihan Abdullahi Hassan, Mr Hideki. Matsunaga, World Bank Country Manager for Somalia, Verena Fritiz, Lead governance Specialist World Bank, and representatives of International Partners.
