Somalia Launches National Counter-IED Strategy in Mogadishu

Somalia Launches National Counter-IED Strategy in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia — September 15, 2025 — Senior Somali government leaders and international partners gathered in Mogadishu on Monday for the Validation Conference of Somalia’s National Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Strategy.

The conference was attended by Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, National Security Adviser Ambassador Aweys Haji, Minister of Internal Security Gen. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, and representatives of key international allies. The event marked an important step in Somalia’s efforts to confront the deadly threat posed by improvised explosive devices deployed by armed groups.

Officials stressed that the new strategy represents a collective national commitment. They emphasized that its success will rely on unity of effort among security institutions, shared responsibility across government, and sustained cooperation with Somalia’s international partners.

Speakers commended the Central Monitoring Department of the Office of National Security for leading the development and coordination of the strategy, describing the initiative as critical to saving lives, strengthening the Somali National Armed Forces, and supporting long-term peace and stability in the country.

The conference underscored that the Counter-IED Strategy is not only a technical security plan, but also a cornerstone of Somalia’s wider security transition and state-building agenda, aimed at creating a safer and more stable future for all Somalis.