MOGADISHU, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- The National Internal Security Conference began in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, on Tuesday, with a focus on strengthening the country's internal security framework.
The two-day conference brought together senior government officials, security authorities and international stakeholders as Somalia advances plans to assume full domestic security responsibilities from the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia.
Participants said the conference marks a critical step toward revitalizing Somalia's national security architecture and ensuring a seamless and sustainable transition of operational authority.
In his opening address, Minister of Defense Ahmed Moallim Fiqi said Somalia requires a fully Somali-led security framework that is efficiently managed, financially sustainable, accountable and capable of protecting the nation.
Fiqi emphasized that translating strategic decisions into measurable outcomes depends on strengthening oversight, improving institutional coordination, deepening cooperation between the federal government and federal member states, and securing predictable funding.
The minister welcomed the international community's support for Somalia, stressing that the conference was important for developing a security plan grounded in the country's realities and responsive to Somalia's security needs and international expectations.
The meeting seeks to address operational bottlenecks, improve coordination among internal security bodies, and strengthen financial capacity to ensure sustainable domestic security funding, as the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia is scheduled to conclude at the end of 2026. ■
