MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi has reiterated that the federal government will ensure that anyone found guilty of criminal activity is arrested and brought before the law, as authorities intensify efforts to strengthen internal security and the rule of law across the country.
Speaking in Mogadishu, Fiqi stressed that Somalia’s security institutions—including the police, intelligence services, and the judiciary—are responsible for investigating crimes, gathering evidence, and ensuring that suspects are processed strictly through legal channels rather than arbitrary action.
He said the government’s position is that accountability must apply to all individuals who violate the law, once due process has been followed. This includes arrest, investigation, prosecution, and court rulings carried out under Somalia’s constitutional and criminal justice framework.
The remarks come at a time when the federal government is under continued pressure to improve public safety in major urban centers and recently recovered areas, where insecurity remains a concern due to criminal activity and the persistent threat posed by armed extremist groups, including Al-Shabaab.
Officials say strengthening law enforcement institutions is part of broader national reforms aimed at rebuilding Somalia’s justice system after decades of conflict, weak governance, and institutional fragility. The government has been working to improve coordination between federal and regional security forces, enhance intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and expand the operational capacity of police units across the country.
The Defense Ministry has also emphasized that respect for human rights and legal procedures remains central to ongoing security operations. It noted that arrests and prosecutions must be based on credible evidence and conducted under judicial oversight to ensure fairness and accountability.
Analysts say such statements reflect ongoing efforts by Somali authorities to project stronger state authority and reassure the public that crime and insecurity will be addressed through formal legal mechanisms rather than informal or extrajudicial actions.
The government has repeatedly pledged to continue reforms aimed at restoring public confidence in state institutions, improving the justice system, and strengthening the rule of law nationwide.
