NEW YORK – In a strategic meeting on the sidelines of international discussions in New York, the Somali Minister of Defense, Ahmed Macallin Fiqi, and the Executive Director of the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), Hichem Khadhraoui, have committed to strengthening collaboration to safeguard civilians during military operations. The meeting underscores the Somali government’s dedication to reforming its security sector and upholding international humanitarian laws.
Minister Fiqi reiterated the Federal Government of Somalia’s commitment to conducting military operations in strict adherence to global standards for civilian protection. This commitment is a core tenet of the ongoing security sector reform, aimed at creating a professional and accountable national army capable of effectively neutralizing security threats while minimizing harm to innocent populations. The discussions highlighted the critical importance of integrating civilian protection protocols into all military actions, from planning to execution.
Hichem Khadhraoui, the Executive Director of CIVIC, commended the significant progress made by the Somali National Army in its efforts to enhance civilian safety. He affirmed CIVIC’s continued presence and work in Somalia, which includes providing specialized training to security agencies and launching public awareness campaigns on the importance of civilian protection. The collaboration between Somalia and CIVIC is crucial as the country continues its fight against armed groups. By working together, the two entities aim to build a more responsible and effective military force that operates with a deep respect for human life and international law. The ongoing training and awareness initiatives are designed to embed a culture of civilian-centric operations within the Somali security forces, ensuring that national security is achieved without compromising the safety of the population.
