Chelsea Village Hotel is located in the heart of one of the world’s most volatile environments, where it faces ongoing threats of terrorism. And yet, it welcomes guests from around the world to a haven of security and comfort. How is this possible?
The hotel’s exceptional offering is thanks to a longstanding partnership with Hart Nationwide (HNW), a leading private security provider across Somalia and fellow Chelsea Group company. Chelsea Village Hotel offers some of the highest levels of safety and security in Mogadishu thanks to a multi-layered approach that includes perimeter protection, 24/7 armed guards, advanced surveillance, fortified buildings, medical facilities on a membership basis, and access control. Guests can work and rest with peace of mind.
Hart Nationwide’s Country Manager, Cobus Erasmus; Security Manager, Michelle Zandberg, and UNSOS Aviation Project, Manager Oscar Wauthier, explain exactly what makes Chelsea Village so secure.
Understanding the security situation in Somalia
Fellow Chelsea Group company se24 – experts in risk and crisis management – classifies Somalia as an Extreme Risk environment, with a highly volatile and unpredictable threat landscape. “The security situation in Somalia remains critical, with ongoing threats from militants and terrorist groups, political instability, and humanitarian challenges affecting millions of civilians,” explains Wauthier.
In Mogadishu, militant groups regularly target Aden Abdulle International Airport (AAIA) and the nearby Halane base camp with mortar and rocket attacks. Consistent attacks put Chelsea Village Hotel at a rating of Threat Level 3 – Attack Imminent. Despite this, it is one of the safest accommodations in the region.
Hart Nationwide offers mobile security convoy vehicles for secure guest transport in Mogadishu.
Who is Hart Nationwide? A leading security partner in Somalia
In operation since early 2014, Hart Nationwide is a partnership between Hart and Nationwide Enterprises – leading service providers in Somalia and East Africa specialising in executing complex projects in highly sensitive regions.
Their team is made up of highly trained professionals, many with military or police backgrounds and years of experience working in high-risk environments. All staff go through regular training in
- Armed and Unarmed static guarding
- Mobile close protection
- AVSEC security
- Facility Management
- Risk Management
- Journey Management
- Intelligence and situational reporting
- For aviation security (AVSEC), their contractors are certified through the internationally recognised Longport Virtual Campus, and exceed International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
Hart Nationwide provides additional mobile convoy security to guests, including B6, B7 and VR7 armoured vehicles. All Close Protection Officers and drivers require an official accredited Close Protection Course and a valid FREC Level 3/FPOSI Course. Drivers are also required to have an Armoured Vehicle driver qualification.
A strategic partnership
The relationship between Chelsea Village Hotel and Hart Nationwide is one built on trust and shared responsibility. Michelle Zandberg is a joint Security Manager, responsible for ensuring that Chelsea Village Hotel and Hart Nationwide can work together seamlessly to keep guests safe and supported.
“The fact that the Security Manager is split 50/50 between Chelsea Village and Hart Nationwide makes the relationship so much stronger and smoother in the day-to-day running of the hotel,” shares Zandberg.
This close coordination is what enables Hart to respond calmly and professionally to any threat.
Hart Nationwide has a 24/7 surveillance hub that manages guest safety and incident response.
Comprehensive security measures at Chelsea Village Hotel
Chelsea Village Hotel’s security strategy is built on advanced technology, close coordination with international agencies, and highly trained personnel. This includes:
Early warning systems
Chelsea Village Hotel is one of the few hotels in Mogadishu equipped with both UN and US Sense and Warn Systems, providing real-time alerts about incoming mortars and rockets, giving clients life-saving advance warning to shelter in place.
Physical defences
All rooftops have been retrofitted with pre-detonation blast boards designed to neutralise indirect fire before it impacts guests.
Fortified infrastructure
The hotel includes two onsite bunkers, a fully protected safe-room restaurant, and a cardio gym that doubles as a lockdown space.
Medical facilities
Chelsea Village is the only hotel in the AAIA area with an onsite Role 2 medical facility, including two operating theatres, resuscitation bays, and can coordinate evacuation capabilities, run by Medical Support Solutions. All medical services are provided on a membership basis.
Round-the-clock surveillance
Armed guards – operating in three shifts – are discreetly present, supported by CCTV and Quick Reaction Forces (QRF).
Security designed to support and comfort guests
Security at the hotel is thoughtfully designed:
- Upon arrival, guests receive a comprehensive security briefing that outlines emergency procedures and alarm protocols, ensuring everyone feels informed and prepared.
- Regular weekly alarm drills, clearly communicated in advance, help reinforce readiness without causing alarm.
- A dedicated WhatsApp group keeps guests updated on both security developments.
- For added peace of mind, guests also have direct access to the Hart Nationwide Operations Room and security personnel located within Chelsea Village Hotel at any time.
Cobus Erasmus knows the difference a dedicated security company makes to guests: “One of the visiting clients was on her first ever visit to Somalia and she was terrified. But the professionalism of the Hart Nationwide staff, the full security briefing, and their calm approach made her feel safe and secure.
Hart Nationwide and Chelsea Village Hotel work together to create a safe and welcoming environment for guests.
“Various Chelsea Village Hotel guests have thanked the Security Manager for the thorough security briefing and familiarisation with regards to attacks: what to do, how to do it, what to have in your grab bag, and so on. Knowing that Hart Nationwide will take full control of security related matters and incidents makes guests comfortable.”
Peace of mind in Mogadishu
Security is embedded into daily life at Chelsea Village Hotel. While the challenges outside our walls are real, the systems, people, and infrastructure we have in place makes Chelsea Village Hotel one of the safest places and most welcoming places in Mogadishu. At Chelsea Village Hotel, you can enjoy exceptional customer service from our highly trained hospitality team in comfort and security.
