Somalia introduces new security measures ahead of IGAD summit

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The National intelligence and security agency (NISA) of Somalia has introduced new security measures ahead of IGAD summit in Mogadishu, Garowe Online reports.

Gen Abdullahi Gafow, the chief of Somali intelligence agency made the announcement on Sunday in a statement which sent stern warning to soldiers and private security firms.

Anyone found carrying a weapon in the city from Sunday, 11th September till IGAD summit ends will be apprehended and face consequence, read NISA statement.

NISA’s Special Forces will take control of the city's security during the upcoming IGAD summit which is set to open in Mogadishu on Tuesday 13 September.

As part of the new plan, more security forces were deployed on the roads and their presence become "more visible". Somalia’s President on Friday has urged citizens to remain patient and cooperate with the security forces to secure the high level event.

The main roads of Mogadishu remained blocked for the third consecutive day, a step that Somali government took to prevent possible raids by Al Shabaab militants during the IGAD summit.

Leaders from the IGAD bloc – Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda – are expected to arrive on Tuesday to Mogadishu and attend the summit, Somali official said. The summit will focus on political and security progress in Somalia, the upcoming 2016 elections, and the political crisis in South Sudan.

GAROWEONLINE