Minister Fiqi Says Time of Unregulated Arms in Mogadishu Is Over

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi has stated that no individual, including opposition figures, would be permitted to openly carry weapons in Mogadishu, stressing that the era of unregulated arms in the capital has ended.

“Absolutely no one can walk around Mogadishu with a gun. As Defence Minister, I affirm this is no longer acceptable, the time for unregulated arms is over,” Fiqi remarked.

Minister Fiqi noted that security forces have engaged with opposition groups five times without incident, underscoring what he described as progress in securing the capital.

The minister also criticized members of the Political Salvation Forum (Madasha Samatabixinta), saying there was no justification for delaying universal suffrage elections.

Somalia has long grappled with indirect, clan-based electoral models, which Fiqi said have weakened fair representation and fragmented political power.