Somalia launches national conference to address threat of lllegal firearms, IEDs

In a bid to strengthen national security and reduce the proliferation of illegal weapons, Somalia’s federal government launched a two-day national conference in Mogadishu on Monday.

The event brought together senior officials from the federal and regional administrations, as well as international partners involved in Somalia’s security sector reform efforts.

Led by Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi and organised through the Office of the National Security Advisor, the conference focused on the implementation of the National Weapons and Ammunition Management (WAM) Strategy for 2025–2030. The strategy outlines a plan to regulate and standardise arms control across Somalia.

The WAM strategy includes several key components: establishing a national digital registration system for firearms, ensuring proper marking of ammunition, and controlling access to materials commonly used in the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

These measures are intended to strengthen the government's ability to monitor and restrict the movement of arms and ammunition throughout the country.

In his opening speech, Ahmed stated that the strategy is a national responsibility and not a discretionary initiative. He noted that the country has already seen early signs of progress, particularly in the digital tracking of weapons.

He credited this progress to ongoing cooperation with international partners.

“This strategy is not optional, it’s a national obligation critical to Somalia’s peace and stability,” he said. “We’re seeing measurable progress, particularly in the digital tracking of weapons, thanks to our partners’ support.”

Deputy Minister of Internal Security General Sulub Ahmed Firin and National Security Advisor Hussein Sheikh-Ali also addressed the gathering.

They emphasised the need for the unified implementation of the strategy across all levels of government to achieve lasting results.

The conference took place amid ongoing threats from the Al-Shabaab militant group. The group continues to use IEDs in attacks targeting both populated areas and military supply routes.

This has underscored the need for comprehensive and coordinated arms control efforts.

Government officials called for closer cooperation with the Arms and Ammunition Management Division (CMD) under the National Security Office.

They also urged international donors to increase their technical and logistical support to bolster Somalia’s capacity to implement the WAM strategy.

Participants at the conference discussed institutional reforms and operational mechanisms necessary for the effective rollout of the strategy. These include improving data management, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and ensuring compliance with international standards for weapons and ammunition management.

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At the close of the event, the Ministry of Defence reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out the strategy’s goals. Officials indicated that the decisions made during the two-day conference would influence national security planning for the next five years.

The WAM strategy is seen by Somali authorities as a central element in reducing the risks posed by unregulated weapons and preventing future violence associated with the use of IEDs and small arms.