Somalia tightens grip on arms with stringent new directives

President of the Federal Republic of Somalia and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, chaired an extraordinary meeting of the National Security Council on Thursday with focus on significant issues, including the recent incident involving illegal arms that were clandestinely brought into areas within the Galmudug State.

During the meeting, security agencies and the National Security Advisor presented reports on this incident, leading to the Council’s consensus on several key resolutions.

The Council emphasised that the Arms and Ammunition Control Department (CMD) of the Office of National Security should continue the monitoring and management of arms and ammunition.

The Ministry of Internal Security was instructed to submit a detailed report and recommendations regarding the incident of illegal arms smuggling, ensuring accountability for those responsible and preventing future occurrences.

In addition, the Council agreed on the completion of the National Arms Purchase Policy and its urgent presentation to the Council of Ministers.

They also resolved to prohibit the sale and trading of arms, urging the Ministry of Justice and law enforcement agencies to promptly bring all individuals involved in this illegal activity to court.

President Mohamud stressed the importance of strictly enforcing arms and ammunition control laws.

He also highlighted that the success achieved in lifting the arms embargo is fundamental to implementing the government’s arms control policy.

The meeting was attended by key government officials, including Prime Minister H.E. Hamza Abdi Barre, Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Salah Ahmed Jama, and other ministers and high-ranking security officials, reflecting the administration’s unified stance on enhancing national security measures.