Mogadishu, (SONNA) — The Minister of Defence of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, today inaugurated the Defence Board meeting, a strategic platform critical to strengthening defence governance, enhancing coordination among defence institutions, and unifying operations and force reform.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, H.E. Ali Yusuf Ali (Ali Hoosh); the Minister of Internal Security, H.E. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag; the State Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ali Balcad; the National Security Adviser, Ambassador Aweys Haji Yusuf; the Commander of the Somali National Army, Major General Odowaa Yusuf Rage; the Commander of the Somali Police Force, Brig. General Asad Osman Abdullahi; commanders of the armed forces; ambassadors of international partners; and representatives of international organisations based in the country.
Minister Fiqi said the Defence Board will play a central role in steering Somalia’s strategic defence direction, serving as a forum to align operational objectives, institutional reforms, and national-level leadership decisions—ensuring an integrated, transparent, and effective defence system consistent with the national strategy.
The Minister of Defence also underscored the importance of strengthening the capabilities of the armed forces, noting that Somalia’s future security can be secured through building a professional force with both operational and financial capacity.
In conclusion, Minister Fiqi emphasised that the Federal Government of Somalia is undertaking a planned transition to assume full responsibility for national security. He thanked the international community for its continued support to Somalia’s defence sector and affirmed that the Ministry of Defence will continue working closely with international partners to implement the Somalia Security Development Plan and the security transition framework.
