Mogadishu – The Somali government has announced plans to integrate the Ma'awiisley militia into the Somali National Army (SNA), Deputy Defense Minister Omar Ali confirmed in an interview with state media.
The minister stated that once ongoing military operations are completed, Ma'awiisley fighters will be registered and formally incorporated into the national army.
“We plan to make the Ma'awiisley militia part of the Somali National Army. They deserve it,” Ali said.
According to the minister, some Ma'awiisley fighters have already been registered, others are undergoing training abroad, and many are currently serving in various security forces, including the police and intelligence agencies.
The announcement comes amid rising concerns over alleged human rights violations linked to the militia. Somalia’s military court recently reported an increase in complaints regarding killings involving Ma'awiisley fighters.
The Ma'awiisley militia first emerged in 2014 in the Hiiraan region before expanding to other parts of the country.
The government’s decision to integrate the group is part of broader efforts to bolster national security and stabilize Somalia.
