Mogadishu, Somalia – The State Minister for Defense, Omar Sheikh Ali Gamaar, has warned Somalis in the country that the government may take decisive measures, including armed operations, against individuals or groups resisting its national campaign to register and regulate armored vehicles and weapons.
Speaking to reporters outside the Federal Parliament in Mogadishu on Monday, Gamaar defended the initiative as an essential step toward strengthening national security and ensuring accountability among all armed actors. He stressed that the campaign is not political but a matter of state safety and public order.
“The government will not tolerate any attempts to obstruct this national effort. Those who refuse to comply with the registration of vehicles and weapons will face necessary measures. The law must apply equally to everyone,” Gamaar said.
His comments come amid growing unease among opposition figures, including several declared presidential candidates, who have accused the administration of using the registration drive as a covert disarmament tactic. They fear that the move could weaken their security capabilities ahead of next year’s anticipated elections.
Critics argue that while disarmament and regulation are vital, timing and transparency are equally important. Some political leaders have urged the government to establish a neutral oversight mechanism to ensure that the campaign is implemented fairly and does not target specific groups.
The Ministry of Defense maintains that the registration process is part of a broader national security reform aimed at curbing the proliferation of illegal weapons and preventing their misuse in urban centers. Officials say the effort will enhance coordination among security agencies and help distinguish legitimate security providers from unauthorized armed groups.
Security analysts note that Somalia’s fragile post-conflict environment makes such efforts both necessary and politically sensitive. The country remains awash with weapons after decades of civil war, with various entities—including clan militias, private security firms, and political guards—possessing significant arsenals.
As the government presses forward, the success of the registration campaign may depend on whether it can build trust across the political spectrum and assure Somalis that its ultimate goal is collective security, not political advantage.