Mogadishu, 2 April 2026 — The Federal Republic of Somalia’s Cabinet of Ministers has formally adopted the National Civilian Protection Policy (NCPP), marking a major milestone in strengthening the protection of civilians during conflict and security operations. Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) welcomes the approval of the policy and reaffirms its commitment to supporting its full implementation nationwide.
“This policy signals a clear shift: protecting civilians is no longer treated as an aspiration, but as a core responsibility of security institutions. The real test now is how this commitment translates into decisions on the ground, where civilians continue to face daily risks,” said Ahmed Ibrahim, CIVIC’s Director for Somalia & Kenya.
The policy was developed under the leadership of the Ministry of Defense, in close coordination with relevant federal government institutions, and with technical support from the Office of the Special Envoy for Stabilization and Civilian Protection and CIVIC. It reflects a coordinated, government-led effort to strengthen the protection of civilians across Somalia.
The NCPP establishes a comprehensive framework to prevent, mitigate, and respond to civilian harm in conflict-affected and frontline areas. It introduces early warning and risk communication systems, strengthens safeguards for displaced and vulnerable populations, enhances protection for humanitarian personnel, and establishes oversight mechanisms to promote transparency and accountability within security institutions.
“What matters next is implementation. If this framework is properly resourced and applied, it can change how operations are conducted and reduce harm in very practical ways. CIVIC will continue to work alongside Somali partners to ensure this policy delivers measurable protection outcomes,” said Ibrahim.
The Federal Government of Somalia holds primary responsibility for translating the policy into action through the development of a Civilian Protection Implementation Plan (CPIP), led by relevant government institutions including the Ministry of Defense.
CIVIC will continue to provide technical advisory and advocacy support to ensure the policy is effectively operationalized across ministries, security institutions, and Federal Member States.
The adoption of the NCPP comes at a critical time. Civilians in Somalia continue to face significant risks from military operations and the activities of multiple armed groups, including civilian casualties, destruction of civilian infrastructure and conflict-induced displacement.
CIVIC in Somalia
CIVIC engages with the Somalia authorities and security actors to strengthen the protection of civilians. The organization provides technical support, policy guidance, training, and research to help integrate civilian safety into security operations. CIVIC’s work focuses on building trust between communities and security forces and ensuring that operations prioritize the safety and rights of civilians.
For additional information or media inquiries, please contact:
Hajer Naili, Director of Communications, [email protected], +31 6 21 69 68 86/ +1 917 889 5982 (WhatsApp)
CIVIC Communications, [email protected]
Spokespersons available for interviews in English, French, and Arabic.
Image courtesy of rawpixel.com / The African Union Mission in Somalia (Source)
