New Defence Board to Centralise Somalia’s Security Strategy

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The federal government of Somalia has launched a Defence Board aimed at centralising security decision-making, strengthening oversight of the armed forces and accelerating reforms as the country moves towards full responsibility for its own security.

The board, inaugurated by Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi in Mogadishu, is designed to serve as the government’s top strategic forum for defence governance, bringing together political leaders, security chiefs and key institutions to align military operations, force reform and national security policy.

The new body will help address long-standing coordination gaps between defence and security institutions by unifying planning, budgeting and operational priorities under a single framework, in line with Somalia’s national security strategy.

Fiqi said the Defence Board would guide reforms aimed at building a professional and accountable security sector, with a focus on improving command structures, operational effectiveness and financial sustainability of the armed forces.

The initiative comes as Somalia prepares for a phased security transition, with Somali forces expected to take over responsibilities currently supported by international partners. The board is expected to play a key role in overseeing that transition, ensuring reforms keep pace with the drawdown of external support.

Somali officials and international partners attending the meeting said the Defence Board would provide a clearer mechanism for coordination, transparency and accountability, seen as critical to stabilising the country and sustaining recent security gains against militant groups.