Mogadishu, Somalia – The Minister of Internal Security of the Federal Government of Somalia, General Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Fartaag), today attended a ceremony where the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) handed over modern ICT equipment to the Ministries of Internal Security, Defense, and Justice & Constitutional Affairs.
The equipment is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance transparency, accountability, and improve the efficiency of government operations through digital modernization. The initiative aims to support the Somali government’s broader agenda of reforming and modernizing public sector institutions to deliver effective and transparent governance.
Minister Fartaag emphasized the importance of the new ICT tools in improving the workflow and digitalization process within the Ministry of Internal Security. He noted that the handover marks a significant step toward building a professional, capable, and modern security institution that can effectively respond to the country’s security challenges.
He expressed gratitude to the European Union and the United Nations for their continued support to Somalia, describing the donation as a sign of trust, partnership, and genuine cooperation in strengthening the country’s security and justice institutions.
The event was attended by the Minister of Defense, Mr. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Mr. Hassan Moallim, the European Union Ambassador to Somalia, Ms. Francesca Di Mauro, the UNOPS Country Director, and senior officials from both the EU and the UN.
However, similar initiatives in the past have sometimes sparked public debate, as many Somalis have criticized the government for celebrating what they see as small donations such as computers and office equipment—items they believe the government should be able to purchase independently. Critics argue that such gestures can reflect dependency and undermine public confidence in state capacity.
Despite the mixed perceptions, the move by UNOPS and the European Union is viewed as a meaningful step toward strengthening cooperation and institutional development. It is expected that the new ICT equipment will improve administrative efficiency and coordination between the Ministries of Internal Security, Defense, and Justice, ultimately contributing to better governance and service delivery.