Somalia launches National Defence Council to boost security coordination

Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, on Tuesday officially launched the opening session of the National Defence Council, a strategic platform aimed at strengthening defence governance and improving coordination among security institutions.

The meeting brought together senior government officials, including the Minister of Interior and Reconciliation Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh, Minister of Internal Security Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Balcad, National Security Adviser Ambassador Aweys Haji Yusuf, and senior military and police commanders.

Also in attendance were the acting Commander of the Somali National Army, General Odowaa Yusuf Raage, Police Commissioner Major General Asad Osman Abdullahi, sector commanders, foreign ambassadors, and representatives of international organizations based in Somalia.

Minister Fiqi said the National Defence Council will play a key role in setting the country’s strategic defence direction. He noted that the platform will help unify operational goals, guide security sector reforms, and support national-level leadership decisions to build an integrated and effective defence system aligned with Somalia’s national strategy.

The defence minister stressed the importance of strengthening military capabilities, saying long-term security can only be achieved through a professional force with strong operational and financial capacity.

He added that the Federal Government of Somalia is gradually assuming full responsibility for national security, and reaffirmed continued cooperation with international partners to implement Somalia’s Security Development Plan and the security transition framework.