Somaliland’s police chief has issued a stern warning to civilians carrying firearms in public, ordering security forces to confiscate weapons from anyone who is not a member of the armed forces or authorised security agencies.
Brigadier General Abdirahman Abdullahi announced the directive on Thursday, October 29, warning that civilians who resist attempts by police to seize their weapons could face lethal force.
The order marks a tougher approach by the Somaliland police command towards the unauthorised possession and public carrying of firearms, with security officers instructed to enforce the directive.
“Anyone carrying a firearm who is not a member of Somaliland’s armed forces will not be tolerated. Police have been instructed to confiscate weapons from anyone outside the security agencies, and those who resist are to be killed,” Abdullahi said.
His remarks have placed particular emphasis on the consequences for individuals who refuse to surrender their weapons when approached by security officers.
Civilian gun ownership
The police chief linked the directive to efforts to strengthen public security and prevent further incidents involving firearms.
Abdullahi cited a deadly incident on October 5, when gunmen killed Ibrahim Abdullahi Aar in Somaliland, as part of the security concerns behind the new measures.
The police command is seeking to restrict the carrying of firearms in public spaces to members of the armed forces and authorised security personnel.
Under the directive, security officers are expected to seize weapons found in the possession of civilians who do not fall within the permitted categories.
The most striking aspect of the announcement was the warning that officers could use lethal force against individuals who resist the confiscation of their firearms.
The police chief did not provide further details about the procedures officers would follow when enforcing the order or the circumstances under which lethal force would be authorised.