NAIROBI — Somalia’s federal government has intensified efforts to safeguard civilians during military operations and armed conflict, as senior officials and international partners met in Nairobi to accelerate the implementation of a national protection policy.
The high-level meeting was chaired by Yusuf Ali Mohamed, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence of the Federal Government of Somalia. It brought together key government institutions, security agencies and international stakeholders to review progress and outline practical steps for enforcing the National Policy on Civilian Harm Mitigation.
Participants emphasized the urgency of ensuring that Somalia fulfills its responsibility to protect civilians, particularly in the context of ongoing military offensives against armed groups. Officials stressed that all operations must align with national laws, international humanitarian law and broader human rights obligations.
“The protection of civilians is not optional—it is a legal and moral duty,” a senior official at the meeting said, underscoring the government’s commitment to minimizing harm during security operations.
Discussions focused on establishing a unified, cross-government framework to implement the policy effectively. This includes improving coordination among state institutions, prioritizing preventive measures, strengthening accountability mechanisms and reducing civilian casualties linked to military actions.
Representatives from several Somali ministries took part in the talks, including the Ministry of Internal Security, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation. Officials from the Office of the Special Envoy of the President for Stabilization and Civilian Protection were also present.
International partners attending the meeting included the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the civilian protection group Center for Civilians in Conflict, the International Organization for Migration, the African Union stabilization mission African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, and agencies of the United Nations.
The meeting reflects growing international and domestic attention to civilian protection in Somalia, where military campaigns against insurgent groups continue to pose risks to non-combatants.
Officials said the outcomes of the Nairobi discussions are expected to translate into concrete actions aimed at enhancing civilian safety, reinforcing institutional accountability and strengthening trust between communities and security forces.
