By Zakaria Hassan - Reporter
Mogadishu – Somalia’s government announced plans to cut armed escorts for officials, citing efforts to improve security and public order.
The plan was presented at the security consultation conference between the federal government and the federal member states, which opened in Mogadishu on Sunday. The meeting was attended by security ministers from the federal member states, senior security officials, and other government representatives.
The conference focused on reforming internal security, strengthening maritime security, and finding lasting solutions to the security challenges that persist in parts of Somalia.
Somalia’s Internal Security Minister; Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag, who opened the conference, said the government intends to reduce the number of security personnel assigned to different government officials in order to create a more effective security system.
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“We hope that a minister will be protected by two officers carrying pistols, and the same should apply to members of parliament. We do not want a commander or officer moving around with a convoy of vehicles, and we also do not want a minister traveling with two or three escort vehicles,” Fartaag said.
He noted that the plan is part of the government’s efforts to build strong security institutions and improve public confidence in the country's security situation.
The two-day conference is expected to come up with recommendations on strengthening the country's internal and maritime security.