(22 Sep 2024) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) – The Minister of Internal Security, Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag, held a high-level meeting with senior security officials in Mogadishu to discuss the growing issue of illegal arms trading in the country. The meeting focused on implementing a recent cabinet resolution aimed at prohibiting the arms trade.
Officials were briefed on immediate measures to curb the influx of illegal weapons, which have been identified as a key factor in fuelling tribal conflicts and potentially falling into the hands of terrorist groups. The Somali government expressed deep concern about the ongoing flow of arms into the country, especially in light of recent incidents in Puntland, where illegal weapons from Ethiopia have entered the region.
Minister Fartaag urged the Somali community to cooperate in efforts to return weapons from militias and individuals in order to promote lasting peace. He also highlighted that this issue is not only a national security threat but a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty, which could destabilise the wider Horn of Africa.
The illegal arms trade has become a critical challenge for the Somali government, particularly with weapons previously entering Galmudug and being stored in cities like Abudwaq, eventually ending up in the hands of organised tribal militias.
Halqabsi News
