MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi on Saturday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) aimed at strengthening the protection of civilians during military operations and armed conflict.
The agreement was signed in Mogadishu during a meeting between Fiqi and a senior CIVIC delegation led by the organisation’s Africa Director, Vianney Bisimwa.
The deal focuses on improving cooperation to reduce civilian harm during security operations, strengthen safeguards for non-combatants, and promote military procedures in line with Somalia’s domestic laws and international humanitarian law.
Officials said the agreement supports the implementation of Somalia’s National Policy on the Protection of Civilians during Military Operations and Armed Conflict, making the country the first in Africa to enforce such a policy.
It also seeks to expand training, awareness programmes and capacity-building for the Somali armed forces to ensure military operations are conducted lawfully, professionally and with greater accountability and caution toward civilian populations.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Fiqi said the Ministry of Defence places special priority on civilian protection and that the policy reflects the federal government’s commitment to ensuring all security operations safeguard the lives, dignity, rights and safety of Somali citizens.
“The Ministry is committed to strengthening civilian protection, improving oversight and accountability in military operations, and working closely with national institutions, civil society and international partners,” he said.
He added that Somalia’s broader security sector reform efforts must be based on legality, responsibility and public trust.
Also present at the ceremony were the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Yusuf Ali Mohamed and senior ministry directors, while CIVIC was represented by its Somalia Director Ahmed Ibrahim, Ambassador Maman Sambo Sidikou, Brigadier General Bashir Yusuf and other officials from both sides.
