Somalia launches IMCTC training Programme on peace and countering extremism

Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has opened a training programme in Mogadishu focused on peacebuilding and countering extremism, marking the first project to be implemented in Somalia by the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) under a programme scheduled to continue through 2027.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Fiqi said Somalia had adopted a comprehensive national approach to countering terrorism that brings together military, security, ideological, media and economic efforts.

He said the approach had produced “measurable progress, including military gains against armed groups, efforts to disrupt their financial networks, the closure of hundreds of websites and online accounts associated with extremist groups, and measures aimed at addressing extremist ideology” .

The minister said cooperation with international partners remained important as Somalia works to strengthen its capacity to counter terrorism and prevent extremist groups from exploiting security, economic and information vulnerabilities.

The IMCTC Secretary-General, Major General Mohammed bin Saeed al-Moghedi, also addressed participants at the programme and emphasized the role of the media in security efforts. He told participants that journalists are “partners in the making of security,” highlighting the importance of responsible reporting and cooperation in countering extremist narratives.

The training programme forms part of the IMCTC’s planned activities in Somalia through 2027 and is intended to strengthen cooperation and knowledge-sharing in areas related to peace, security and countering extremism.

Mustaqbal