Somalia Launches First-Ever National Counter-IED Strategy to Tackle Al-Shabaab Threat
In a landmark step toward securing its people and stabilizing the country, Somalia has launched its first National Counter-IED Strategy, a comprehensive framework aimed at combatting the deadly use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by militant group Al-Shabaab.
The strategy was unveiled in Mogadishu during a high level event attended by senior Somali officials, military leaders, and international partners, including representatives from the United Nations, the African Union, and donor countries. It is the first strategy of its kind in Somalia’s history and comes amid continued insurgent attacks targeting civilians, security forces, and infrastructure.
“This is a historic milestone,” said Awes Haji Yusuf Ahmed, Somalia’s National Security Advisor. “This strategy brings together intelligence-led operations, legal reforms, precursor material control, and community engagement in one unified national approach.”
From Reactive to Proactive Security
Developed under Somali leadership, the new strategy builds on a Baseline Assessment conducted in February 2023 and reflects a major shift in how Somalia addresses the IED threat moving from reactive responses to proactive, intelligence-driven operations.
The country’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, outlined key tactical objectives, including:
Strengthening explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) capabilities within the Somali National Army
Enhancing interagency coordination to identify threats early
Establishing tighter controls over explosive precursor materials
Increasing public awareness and local collaboration to report suspicious activity
“We are building a resilient system that will prevent, detect, and disrupt IED attacks before they happen,” said Fiqi.
UN Applauds Somali-Led Initiative
James Swan, the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Somalia, hailed the strategy as a vital step in restoring national stability and strengthening security sector governance.
“This strategy is a result of Somali leadership, crafted with resolve and insight,” Swan said. “The United Nations is dedicated to collaborating with you to ensure it yields sustainable outcomes.”
The UN, alongside the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and other partners, has pledged ongoing technical support and funding to aid implementation.
IEDs remain one of the most lethal tactics used by Al-Shabaab, responsible for thousands of civilian and military casualties across Somalia in the past decade. The group continues to plant roadside bombs, target government buildings, and conduct suicide attacks across major cities.
Toward Lasting Security
Somali officials stressed that success will depend not only on tactical capabilities but also on community engagement, governance reforms, and long term investment in local resilience.
“Our people must be partners in peace,” said Yusuf Ahmed. “This strategy empowers them to help dismantle the networks that threaten their lives.”
The Counter-IED Strategy is expected to be rolled out nationally over the next 12 months, with regional and district level implementation plans currently under development.
