Somalia Tightens Vehicle Security Rules; Unregistered Official Cars Banned from March 5 Mogadishu, Somalia — The Ministry of Internal Security of the Federal Government of Somalia has announced a series of enhanced vehicle security measures aimed at bolstering national security and public safety. Effective March 5, 2026, all government officials, including members of Parliament and the Council of Ministers, will be required to use vehicles with official license plates.
According to the Ministry, the new regulations are a direct response to the threat of suicide attacks by Al — Shabaab terrorists and are part of broader efforts to enhance public safety.
The ban on unregistered official vehicles is intended to help security forces identify and distinguish authorized vehicles from those that may be used for malicious purposes.
The Ministry has called on all levels of government to cooperate fully with security agencies in the implementation of these measures. It emphasizes that obtaining official license plates is a legal obligation for all vehicle owners and a critical tool for security forces to perform their duties effectively.
In a statement, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to national security and stability, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration between the public and security institutions.
The government has not yet provided specific details on the enforcement mechanisms or penalties for non — compliance.
The announcement comes as Somalia faces ongoing security challenges, including frequent attacks by terror groups.
The move to tighten vehicle security rules is seen by some analysts as a proactive measure to address these concerns and protect the Somali population. Further details are expected to be released by the Ministry in the coming days. For now, the government’s focus remains on ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
Source: sonna.
