National Internal Security Conference Opens as Somalia Pushes to Strengthen Security Institutions

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia has opened a national internal security conference in Mogadishu bringing together senior government officials, security agencies and representatives of federal member states to discuss ways of strengthening the country’s security institutions and improving coordination.

The conference, which opened on Tuesday, brings together stakeholders involved in Somalia’s internal security affairs as the country continues efforts to strengthen its national security architecture.

Participants are reviewing the current security situation, challenges facing security institutions and ways to improve cooperation between federal authorities, federal member states and security agencies.

The discussions are also focused on developing a more coordinated and sustainable approach to internal security, with participants examining how institutions can work more effectively across different levels of government.

The meeting comes as Somalia continues to rebuild its security institutions and assume greater responsibility for national security amid an ongoing campaign against Al-Shabaab and preparations for a broader transition in the country’s security arrangements.

Effective coordination between federal institutions and the federal member states remains a key challenge, particularly as security responsibilities are increasingly transferred to Somali forces.

The conference provides a platform for government and security officials to assess existing gaps and discuss longer-term measures aimed at building institutions capable of responding to Somalia’s security needs.

Officials are expected to use the discussions to strengthen cooperation and contribute to a more unified national security framework, although details of specific measures or decisions from the conference were not immediately released.

The gathering underscores the government’s emphasis on institution-building alongside military operations, reflecting the broader challenge of creating security structures that can provide sustained protection and stability across Somalia.