President Farmaajo summons security chiefs over clash between security forces in Mogadishu

President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo today summoned security chiefs at Villa Somalia over last week’s clash between the elite presidential squad and intelligence officers which led to the death of at least four officers.

In a statement released by deputy police commander Bashir Abdi Mohamed, the President sought to establish the circumstances under which the two units engaged in deadly exchange of fire at the central business district, a short distance away from his residence.

“One of the issues discussed was the relationship among Somali armed forces in light of the friction this past week. The talks centred on establishing a united and coordinated working relationship between the different security units. The President called for the formation of a multi-agency committee to device a coherent working relationship among the forces,” said Mohamed.

At least four officers from the National Intelligence Service Agency (NISA) were killed this week when they exchanged fire with the presidential guard. Intelligence chief NISA chief Abdullahi Mohamed termed the incident friendly fire and that investigations were underway.

The president also impressed upon the security chiefs the need to actively develop mechanisms to allow for take over from the African Union forces  (Amisom) which is expected to leave the security task to Somali National Forces as from late next year. A joint Federal Government-Amisom five day conference in Mogadishu this past week called for enhanced preparations to actualize the take over which will also be hinged on the donor funding of the National Security Architecture.

The meeting also comes a day after a deadly bomb explosion claimed at least five lives and injured more than ten others in Mogadishu.