Somalia wrapped up a two-day national conference on arms and ammunition management in Mogadishu on Tuesday as government officials seek to curb the growing threat posed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used by Al-Shabaab militants.
The conference, which began on Monday, brought together top officials from Somalia’s federal and regional governments alongside international partners backing security sector reforms. Organized by the Office of the National Security Advisor and led by Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, the forum aimed to accelerate the implementation of the National Weapons and Ammunition Management (WAM) Strategy 2025–2030.
The WAM strategy outlines a roadmap for standardizing arms control procedures, digitizing firearm registration, marking ammunition, and restricting access to materials used in the construction of roadside bombs and other explosive devices.
Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, who officially closed the event, said the federal government is committed to addressing the illegal flow of arms through legislation, technical systems, and institutional reforms.
“Weapons management is central to Somalia’s security,” Jama said. “The DanQaran government is strengthening laws, policies, and enforcement systems to address the threat posed by illegal arms. We will continue working with our international partners to build reliable systems to track and control weapons.”
Speakers at the conference included Deputy Minister of Internal Security Gen. Sulub Ahmed Firin and National Security Advisor Hussein Sheikh-Ali. The conference participants examined key challenges related to arms trafficking and agreed to intensify cooperation in dismantling networks that supply weapons to extremist groups. The discussions also emphasized the need for improved national capacity in explosive ordnance disposal, a critical gap as Al-Shabaab continues to target civilians and military personnel with roadside bombs and suicide attacks.
Somalia is preparing for the African Union’s transition from ATMIS to the Somali-led African Union Security Support Mission (AUSSS), a shift that requires greater autonomy in managing national security. Strengthening arms control is seen as vital to this transition.
International partners, including technical experts and donor agencies, pledged continued support for Somalia’s arms management efforts, especially in advancing digital inventory systems and improving transparency to meet global standards.
