Somalia’s Vision for Global Security: State Minister Ali Omar’s Address at the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Conference in Washington DC

Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ali Omar’s remarks at the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Ministerial Conference in Washington, DC, underscore not only Somalia’s commitment to the fight against terrorism, but also the broader implications for global security. His speech, delivered to a gathering of foreign ministers from 87 countries including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and international security experts, underscored Somalia’s pivotal role in the fight against ISIS and other extremist groups in the Horn of Africa.

Minister Omar’s speech was a reminder of the regional and global stakes involved in Somalia’s fight against ISIS. Since 2015, the presence of ISIS in Somalia, particularly in the Puntland State of Somalia, has become a serious security concern. Led by Abdulqadir Muumin, a former al-Shabaab commander, ISIS in Somalia has extended its reach beyond national borders, destabilizing neighboring countries through arms smuggling, youth recruitment, and extortion. The minister’s call for international cooperation resonated as he underscored the transnational nature of the ISIS threat and the urgency of a unified global response.

The significance of Minister Omar’s remarks lies in Somalia’s unique perspective as both a frontline state in the fight against terrorism and a key partner in the global community. His emphasis on intelligence sharing and regional cooperation reflects Somalia’s deep understanding that terrorism does not respect borders. By addressing terrorists’ links to other extremist groups, the minister highlighted the complex web of alliances that threaten regional stability – a challenge that will require a coordinated, sustained international effort to overcome.

Minister Omar also focused on one of the most pressing challenges facing Somalia: the radicalization of its youth. His reflections on the need for community engagement and the importance of providing young people with alternatives to extremist ideologies captured the essence of Somalia’s long-term strategy. This is not just a military battle, but a battle of hearts and minds, and Somalia’s approach to preventing youth radicalization serves as a model for addressing terrorism at its roots. By promoting education, economic opportunity, and social inclusion, Somalia aims to break the cycle of violence and give its youth a more hopeful future.

The minister’s appeal for greater international support comes at a critical time. As Somalia continues to regain territory from ISIS and al-Shabaab, its counterterrorism gains are significant but fragile. Minister Omar’s call to the global coalition for increased resources and support underscores the reality that Somalia cannot face this challenge alone. The lessons of Iraq’s stabilization and de-radicalization experience offer valuable insights into how Somalia can achieve lasting peace, but international support remains essential.

Minister Ali Omar’s speech served as a reminder that the fight against terrorism is not just Somalia’s fight – it is a shared global responsibility. His message was clear: Somalia is committed to defeating terrorism, but the path to victory requires unity, cooperation, and sustained engagement from the international community.