Somalia Launches Civilian Protection Policy.
The Somali government has launched a new policy aimed at protecting civilians during military operations and armed conflicts. This initiative follows complaints from farmers regarding civilian harm and security challenges in the Lower Shabelle region.
Why it matters
This policy represents a significant attempt to improve human rights and accountability within Somalia's security sector during ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
MOGADISHU (Dawan) – September 5, 2026 – The Federal Government of Somalia has launched a National Policy on the Protection of Civilians During Military Operations and Armed Conflicts, aimed at guiding security institutions in reducing civilian harm during military operations. Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi launched the policy on Saturday at a ceremony attended by federal government officials, representatives from federal member states, diplomats and stakeholders involved in implementing the framework. Fiqi said protecting civilians is a national and constitutional responsibility of the government, adding that safeguarding communities is essential to building a professional national army based on discipline, accountability and respect for civilian protection principles. The launch comes days after farmers from Lower Shabelle Region raised concerns over challenges they said were caused by Al-Shabaab and the impact of recent security operations in their areas.
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