Baidoa (KAAB TV) – The President of South West State of Somalia, H.E. Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, chaired a pivotal meeting of the South West Security Council today in Baidoa, focusing on the pressing security challenges facing the region and strategies to enhance the rule of law within the armed forces.
The high-level meeting brought together senior security and judicial officials, including the Chairman of the Supreme Military Court, General Liban Ali Yarow; the Minister of Security for South West State; and senior commanders from various security institutions, including the police, intelligence services, and the 60th Division of the Somali National Army.
The council deliberated extensively on the overall security landscape of the South West region, addressing both immediate threats and long-term strategic objectives. Key topics included counterterrorism operations, inter-agency coordination, internal discipline within the armed forces, and the need for enhanced legal oversight.
General Liban Ali Yarow emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law within the military structure. He reiterated that all military operations must be conducted within the framework of Somali law and international human rights standards. He also highlighted the critical need to combat corruption and prevent unlawful conduct by security personnel, stating that accountability and transparency are essential to building public trust.
In his address, the South West Security Minister outlined the regional government’s commitment to fostering stronger cooperation among security agencies. He announced new initiatives aimed at improving command efficiency and operational coordination in the face of persistent security threats such as terrorism, piracy, and organized crime.
The council resolved to strengthen the institutional relationship between the judiciary and security agencies. This includes enhancing information-sharing protocols, accelerating judicial processes for security-related offenses, and creating joint task forces to address emerging threats swiftly and effectively.
President Laftagareen urged all involved officials and officers to work collaboratively in preserving peace and enforcing the law. He underscored that sustainable development in the region depends heavily on a stable and secure environment, where citizens can live free from fear and lawlessness.
“This meeting is part of our government’s broader initiative to reinforce the foundations of peace and justice,” President Laftagareen stated. “Security is not only the responsibility of the armed forces but a collective obligation of every institution involved in governance.”
The President concluded by reaffirming his administration’s dedication to reforming and strengthening the security sector. These ongoing efforts aim to build a disciplined, lawful, and community-focused security force capable of safeguarding the South West State and contributing to the long-term stability of Somalia.