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MOGADISHU — H.E. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Somali Minister of Defense, held a strategic meeting with H.E. James Swan, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative, focusing on aligning national security operations with rigorous international human rights standards.
The Somali National News Agency (SONNA) reported that the high-level engagement in Mogadishu aimed to strengthen compliance with international military protocols, ensuring the continued operational and logistical backing provided by the international community to the Somali Armed Forces.
Official sources cited by (SONNA) stated that the executive dialogue prioritized the protection of children in conflict zones, reviewing government initiatives designed to systematically prevent the recruitment or involvement of minors in armed hostilities.
Both parties emphasized the institutionalization of protective measures within security agencies as a vital step to neutralize extremist exploitation of children and elevate the ethical standards of the Somali National Army to global benchmarks, as per the Somali agency.
The diplomatic exchange featured a comprehensive assessment of the UN Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP), where both leaders analyzed ways to enhance transparent cooperation to ensure all security institutions meet these stringent international criteria.
(SONNA) noted that full compliance with this international policy is a cornerstone for the Federal Government, as it guarantees the continuous flow of military assistance, strategic funding, and international logistical support for Somalia’s defense.
This high-level diplomatic coordination seeks to solidify trust between Mogadishu and international partners by transforming human rights commitments into tangible field practices that bolster the legitimacy and effectiveness of military operations against security threats.
The meeting reflects the Somali Ministry of Defense’s vision of building a professional army that respects international humanitarian law, contributing to a safe and stable environment that supports development and social justice, according to (SONNA).
The session concluded by reaffirming that protecting human rights is not merely an international obligation but a fundamental pillar of Somali national security, aimed at building military institutions capable of protecting citizens according to human values.
At the conclusion of the talks, both sides stressed that the partnership between Somalia and the UN will continue to develop legal and administrative frameworks ensuring transparency and accountability within the security sector
