The Somaliland government has implemented a prohibition on carrying weapons within Erigavo, the capital of the Sanaag region.
Announced by State Minister for Interior and Security, Abdirashid Mohamed Ahmed, this directive aims to enhance security by ending the nationalization of local clan militias and restricting weapon possession in the city.
Under this new regulation, only the police force is authorized to carry firearms within Erigavo.
Military personnel are required to leave their weapons in their barracks, and civilians found carrying weapons will have them confiscated by the police.
This measure follows recent efforts by the Somaliland government to integrate local clan militias into the national armed forces.
The government has trained units of clan militia for absorption into the military and has purchased vehicles and weapons from local militia forces, ensuring that military equipment is centrally controlled.
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to consolidating security and reducing the presence of unauthorized armed groups in the region.