Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, stated that security in Mogadishu has reached a high level, affirming that the government will not compromise on the measures taken to secure the capital.
Fiqi noted that Mogadishu has achieved an “A” grade security rating, adding that the government aims to elevate it to an even higher standard.
“We do not negotiate on security. We will not allow anyone who threatens security to cause harm,” the minister said.
The minister also issued a stern warning against a return to clan-based politics and the fragmentation of Mogadishu’s neighborhoods, stating that it is unacceptable to revert the city to a state where neighborhoods are defined by clan affiliation.
Fiqi emphasized that the federal government does not represent specific clans but rather drives a state-building agenda led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.
“Hassan Sheikh is not advancing the interests of a specific clan, nor is Prime Minister Hamza. They are leading a government. None of us are advancing clan interests; we are leading a government,” he said. The Minister also criticized those claiming that Mogadishu is unsafe or that government forces have collapsed, stating that such rhetoric undermines security efforts.
He noted that Al-Shabaab has suffered significant setbacks, yet there are ongoing attempts—which he described as deliberate—to create opportunities for the group within Mogadishu.
Fiqi also defended the city’s security checkpoints, questioning why some people oppose the vehicle and personnel searches conducted at these locations.
The Minister emphasized that ensuring security in Mogadishu is a government responsibility, adding that no one would be permitted to undermine the city’s security or revive clan-based divisions.
