Somalia’s Defence Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, announced on Wednesday his participation in a high-level reform review meeting aimed at ensuring the accountability and sustainability of the nation’s security institutions. This platform is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to rebuild the security sector through a robust institutional framework and to establish comprehensive transparency.
The meeting, held in Mogadishu, brought together senior government officials, World Bank representatives, and international partners. The primary focus of the discussions was on improving the legal frameworks of security institutions, modernizing human resource management, strengthening salary payment systems, and making procurement control mechanisms more effective. Additionally, pension reforms for the Somali National Army (SNA) and issues regarding long-term financial sustainability were extensively discussed.
During his speech, Minister Fiqi emphasized that the transformation of Somalia’s security sector should not be measured solely by the success of military operations, but also by the strength of its institutions, the integrity of its systems, and the accountability of the armed forces. “The success of security reform depends on building credible institutions with clear procedures and effective oversight,” the Minister noted.
Detailing the Ministry of Defence’s achievements to date, the Minister highlighted the completion of biometric registration and personnel verification within the military. He pointed out that this process has been instrumental in determining accurate troop numbers and establishing a reliable national personnel registry. He added that the Ministry is working to implement a modern system that directly links monthly personnel attendance to salary payments, which will help eliminate “ghost” soldiers and ensure the proper utilization of government resources.
The meeting also underscored the necessity of the draft Defence Bill, procurement system reforms, and the sustainability of the pension system. Furthermore, it was noted that the Ministry’s future priorities include establishing a support institution for the children of fallen soldiers (orphan welfare), disabled veterans, and retired military personnel.
Minister Fiqi expressed his gratitude to the World Bank and other international partners for their support in reforming Somalia’s security sector and strengthening institutional building and accountability systems. Attendees at the forum included Internal Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, Deputy Finance Minister Abdigafaar Elmi, Presidential Chief of Staff Abdihakim Yusuf, and World Bank Country Manager for Somalia Hideki Matsunaga.
This reform movement is viewed as a critical step in Somalia’s efforts to fully take over its own security responsibilities, aiming to ensure that security institutions are managed with professional competence under the oversight of civilian leadership.
