MOGADISHU – The Federal Ministry of Internal Security and Benadir Regional Administration have hosted a three day public consultation this week in Mogadishu, to present the Government’s security initiatives and hear Somali people’s views and concerns on security and justice in the Benadir region. The purpose of the meeting was to understand and address the challenges faced by Somali communities when interacting with security forces, and to further highlight the importance of public awareness and collaboration in creating safe communities.
The meeting was supported by the United Nations Development Programme under the United Nations Joint Rule of Law project, with funding from the Germany Government. The Federal Minister for Internal Security, Mohamed Abukar Islow Duale; the Mayor of Mogadishu and Governor of Benadir, Abdirahman Omar Osman; and religious leader Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Salad were key speakers at the event.
In his opening speech, Minister Duale highlighted the importance of public cooperation with security forces in ensuring safety for all Somalis.
“The outcome of this meeting will be reviewed by both the Ministry of Internal Security and Banadir Regional Administration and included in a comprehensive Banadir Security Strategy. This is in line with the Ministry’s mandate to provide security and safety to all citizens and the State,” he said.
Participants from federal member states attended the event, along with religious leaders, academics, young people and representatives from women’s groups.
The Security Transition Plan for Somalia and strategies on community policing were presented to those attending, and the duties and obligations the public and government both have towards one another in fighting crime and terrorism in Somalia were discussed.
Recommendations for building better collaboration and trust between members of the public and security and police forces were made by participants during the event.
These included strengthening coordination, accountability, and transparency of district and regional justice institutions and their capacity to adhere to human rights law, and strengthening community policing initiatives for better community outreach and collaboration.
Communities also requested to hold weekly and monthly meetings with Benadir Regional Administration on security in each district, and discussed how security institutions can better work with businesses and households to prevent terrorism and extremism.
In his closing remarks, Mayor Osman thanked all those who had participated in the meeting and reiterated the commitment of Banadir Regional Administration to continue to consult with Banadir communities on security issues.
“I urge the 17 Banadir district commissioners to closely work with the people in their districts and to continue to build trust between themselves and communities. I give my assurance as Mayor that we will continue to work to ensure the Banadir Region is safe and secure for all,” he said.
The three-day public consultation event is one of a series of consultations taking place around Somalia on peace and security, with the aim of building trust in security and justice institutions across Somalia.
The events are being led by the Federal Government in collaboration with Federal Member States, and with support from the UN and international donors.
SOURCES: UNDP
