Friday February 7, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) – The Somali State Minister for Defense, Omar Ali Abdi, has announced that the process of officially integrating Macawisley militia forces into the Somali National Army (SNA) is underway, with the registration and training of volunteer fighters already in progress. 

In an interview with Somali National Television on Thursday, the state minister confirmed that many Macawisley fighters have registered and are now receiving government payments. 

“We have sent them for training, and they will become part of the Somali National Army,” Omar Ali Abdi said. 

The Macawisley militia, named after the traditional Somali garment “macawis,” emerged as a local defense force in 2022 during the Somali government’s major offensive against Al-Shabaab. Mobilized under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration, the group has played a crucial role in helping liberate territories from Al-Shabaab militants, particularly in rural areas. 

The Macawisley forces initially operated as local volunteer fighters, but their consistent combat success led to their gradual formal integration into the national defense structure.