Defence Minister Fiqi Says Military Gains Paving Way for Stabilisation

MOGADISHU: Federal government of Somalia’s defence minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi has said recent military operations against Islamist militants have created momentum for stabilisation efforts, as authorities move to consolidate control in newly recovered areas.

The Defence Minister, speaking during a national stabilisation forum in Mogadishu, said that offensives by the Somali National Army had weakened Al-Shabaab fighters and enabled the government to expand its presence in previously contested areas.

He said the federal government was shifting from combat operations to civilian-led stabilisation, citing areas such as Sabiid and Caanoole where administrative services and security structures have been deployed following military advances.

“The objective is to ensure that gains on the battlefield are sustained through governance and service delivery,” Fiqi said, stressing the need to prevent any return of militant activity.

He also highlighted the importance of coordination between security agencies and civilian institutions, praising the role of the interior ministry in leading stabilisation efforts.

Somalia has in recent years intensified its campaign against Al-Shabaab, combining military operations with efforts to restore governance and basic services in recovered areas, as part of a broader strategy to weaken the group’s influence.

Despite gains, the militants continue to stage attacks in parts of southern and central Somalia, underscoring the challenges facing long-term stabilisation efforts.