Mogadishu, Somalia — On Tuesday, the Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, addressed the SJGAP Steering Committee, reaffirming the government’s commitment to deep-rooted reform, transparency, and digital transformation within Somalia’s defense sector.
The session brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Defense, representatives of the European Union (EU), and technical partners from Adam Smith International (ASI), who jointly oversee the Somalia Joint Governance and Accountability Program (SJGAP). The meeting served as a platform to evaluate ongoing defense reforms and outline the next phase of institutional strengthening.
Fiqi emphasized that the ministry’s reform agenda goes beyond administrative restructuring—it aims to build a professional, accountable, and digitally capable defense force that upholds the principles of good governance and national service. He reiterated that modernizing the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) requires a balance between operational readiness and institutional integrity, with both supported by digital transformation.
Under the SJGAP framework, the ministry has rolled out key initiatives such as digitized personnel management, improved payroll transparency, and enhanced monitoring systems. These efforts are designed to ensure that every soldier’s service is properly recorded, their welfare safeguarded, and resources efficiently managed.
The meeting also reviewed the impact of EU and ASI partnerships in advancing capacity-building programs, developing data-driven management tools, and creating mechanisms that strengthen civilian oversight of the defense sector. Participants recognized these collaborative efforts as vital in fostering trust, efficiency, and sustainability within Somalia’s evolving security architecture.
As Somalia continues to rebuild its national institutions, Tuesday’s meeting underscored the importance of accountability and modernization in ensuring that the defense sector becomes a model for good governance. Fiqi reaffirmed that reform is not a short-term project but a long-term investment in the stability and credibility of Somalia’s armed forces.
The session concluded with a shared sense of purpose—transforming Somalia’s defense establishment into a modern, professional institution that reflects the resilience, unity, and aspirations of the Somali people.