Galmudug Leader Hands Over Personal Weapons and Vehicles to Security Agencies

GOOBJOOG NEWS | DHUSAMAREB: Galmudug regional leader Liban Ahmed Hassan has transferred vehicles, weapons and military supplies he personally owned to the regional security agencies, in a move aimed at strengthening state control over security resources and supporting operations against Al-Shabaab.

Federal government of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud witnessed the handover ceremony in Dhusamareb on Friday, a day after the inauguration of Galmudug’s new leadership.

Liban said the equipment, which had previously been used in military operations against Al-Shabaab, would now become the permanent property of the Galmudug administration and remain with its security institutions beyond his tenure.

He said security equipment and other resources used in maintaining public order should be controlled by legally mandated government institutions rather than individuals, businesspeople or politicians.

“Statehood is built on ensuring that security powers and resources remain in the hands of government institutions authorised by law, rather than being privately owned by individuals, businesspeople or politicians,” Liban said.

The regional leader described the transfer as part of efforts to improve the capacity of Galmudug’s security forces and accelerate operations against Al-Shabaab.

He said improved security would also help create conditions for investment, trade and tourism while enabling international organisations to operate safely in the region.

The move also sends a message to political leaders and other individuals holding privately owned weapons and military equipment, particularly in Galmudug, to support efforts to place such resources under government institutions.

The transfer comes as the new Galmudug administration begins its term amid continuing security challenges and efforts to strengthen regional institutions.

Galmudug, which includes parts of central Somalia, has been among the regions affected by Al-Shabaab’s insurgency. The group has maintained a presence in rural areas and periodically carries out attacks targeting security forces and civilians.

The handover is intended to strengthen the regional security institutions by ensuring that military equipment remains government property rather than being tied to individual political leaders.