MOGADISHU – In a strategic move reflecting Somalia’s commitment to upholding International Humanitarian Law and human rights principles, the capital hosted a high-level initiative aimed at establishing a new era of protection and responsibility for citizens in conflict zones.
H.E. Abdifatah Abdulkadir Farah, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, presided over a comprehensive consultative meeting yesterday focused on discussing and adopting the “National Policy for the Protection of Civilians during Armed Conflicts,” marking the beginning of a new phase of responsible security action.
According to the Somali National News Agency (SONNA), the meeting sought to establish a systematic framework to ensure theoretical commitments translate into field practices, guaranteeing the safety of non-combatants and establishing protocols for military engagement in populated areas.
Participants engaged in thorough discussions on methods to enhance oversight and preventive measures, ensuring national defense policies align with international standards and prioritizing maximum civilian protection within the new security approach.
As reported by SONNA, participants emphasized the importance of conducting security operations with transparency and accountability to minimize collateral risks and build mutual trust between military institutions and the public.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense highlighted that developing this policy was not an isolated effort, but the culmination of a national vision acknowledging that sustainable security can only be achieved by preserving human dignity and protecting fundamental rights in all situations.
His Excellency observed that successful implementation of this policy demands close coordination and essential integration among various state security and civilian agencies to ensure a seamless transition from planning to effective execution in practice.
Senior representatives from the Ministries of Internal Security, Interior, and Justice, along with field leadership from the National Army and Somali Police Force, attended the meeting to ensure a comprehensive and multidimensional perspective.
The meeting also saw active involvement from the Disaster Management Agency, the National Commission for Refugees, and the Office of the President’s Special Envoy for Civilian Protection, incorporating humanitarian and developmental elements into the approved security policy.
Participants examined successful international models for conflict management and civilian protection, adapting them to align with the cultural, social characteristics, and security reality of Somalia.
The meeting concluded by emphasizing the need to incorporate this policy’s provisions into armed forces training programs and intensifying awareness campaigns to ensure all field units comply with established ethical and legal standards.
This step strengthens Somalia’s standing as a nation working to restore full sovereignty and stability on modern foundations, balancing the imperative of decisiveness in counterterrorism operations with the ethical obligation to protect lives and property.
The adoption of this national policy signifies a fundamental shift in Somalia’s state-building trajectory. Institutionalizing civilian protection extends beyond humanitarian aspects, functioning as a strategic mechanism to delegitimize armed groups and enhance societal resilience, creating a path toward a future where lives are protected and trust is restored between citizens and governmental institutions under the rule of law.
