MOGADISHU, (HAN) – Somalia’s Minister of Internal Security, Gen. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag, has met with UN Special Representative for Somalia, Ambassador James Swan, in Mogadishu to review ongoing cooperation on security matters.
Talks focused on progress made in stabilizing Mogadishu, training for the Somali Darwish forces, and moving forward with the second phase of the Joint Police Program (JPP). Both sides also addressed efforts to curb the recruitment of children into armed groups.
Minister Fartaag praised the UN for its continued support to Somalia’s security institutions and stressed the need to strengthen collaboration to ensure lasting gains.
Ambassador Swan assured that the UN will maintain its support for Somalia’s security agencies, especially in priority areas such as Mogadishu’s stability and capacity-building programs for national forces.
However, in recent months, Mogadishu’s security has shown notable improvement, largely due to strengthened collaboration between the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM) and the Somali Police Force. Regular joint operations—including patrols, checkpoints, and increased police visibility—have been key in curbing insecurity. At the same time, the Somali National Army (SNA) has become more professional, expanding its role in urban security.
The capital has also adopted new security measures such as deploying private security services for businesses and introducing a municipal security camera program to deter crime. Community policing initiatives and awareness campaigns are further fostering public trust and contributing to safer neighborhoods.
