MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Daahir Shire Mohamed, has issued a stern warning to individuals and commercial entities currently involved in the illegal extraction and depletion of the country’s mineral resources.
In a press briefing addressing the management of national assets, Minister Mohamed highlighted a concerning trend of unregulated mining activities reported in various regions across the country. He revealed that the Ministry has received credible intelligence regarding specific companies and individuals who are bypassing federal laws to exploit Somalia’s natural wealth, resulting in significant environmental degradation and economic loss.
“There are individuals and companies engaged in the illegal depletion of minerals in parts of the country’s regions,” Minister Mohamed stated. “We want to make it clear that we will take strict legal action against anyone found to be involved in these illicit activities.”
The Minister emphasized that Somalia’s natural resources belong to the public and their extraction is governed by a constitutional framework designed to ensure national development and sustainability. He noted that any mining operation conducted without a valid license from the Federal Government constitutes a direct violation of national sovereignty and the law.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has announced that it is mobilizing relevant law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute offenders. This crackdown is part of a broader government strategy to formalize the mining sector, attract legitimate international investment, and ensure that the revenue generated from natural resources benefits the Somali people rather than illicit networks.
Minister Mohamed concluded by urging local communities to cooperate with the government by reporting suspicious mining activities, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to protecting the nation’s heritage from theft and exploitation.
