Somalia, Italy sign police training cooperation agreement
Somalia and Italy signed a five-year memorandum of understanding on police training cooperation, expanding security ties and support for Somalia’s law enforcement institutions.
Mogadishu (Somali Report) — Somalia and Italy have signed a memorandum of understanding to expand police training cooperation, strengthening security ties and support for the development of Somalia’s law enforcement institutions, officials said.
The agreement was signed in Mogadishu by Somalia’s Minister of Internal Security, Gen. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag, and Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi during the Italian minister’s official visit last week.
According to a joint statement, the agreement establishes a framework for cooperation focused on academic and professional training for Somali police officers, preparation of trainers, exchange of expertise, study visits and the sharing of best practices.
The pact also provides for conferences, seminars, workshops, advanced training programs and joint projects aimed at improving police skills in areas of mutual interest.
The two governments agreed to form a joint committee to oversee implementation, assess progress and plan the next phases of cooperation. The committee will include representatives appointed by relevant institutions from both countries.
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The statement said all activities under the agreement will comply with the domestic laws of both countries, international regulations and Italy’s obligations as a member of the European Union. It also said the cooperation will respect human rights and protect personal data.
The agreement will remain valid for five years, with the possibility of renewal.
The deal comes as Somalia continues efforts to rebuild its security institutions and expand the capacity of federal and regional police forces after decades of conflict and weak governance. Strengthening law enforcement remains central to the government’s wider security transition as African Union forces draw down and Somali institutions assume greater responsibility for national security.
Italy has maintained longstanding ties with Somalia, rooted in colonial rule, the United Nations trusteeship period and later diplomatic, security and development partnerships. In recent years, Rome has supported Somalia through training, institutional development, stabilization programs and migration-related cooperation.
Somali officials say international partnerships are critical to improving police professionalism, accountability and public trust. The new agreement is expected to support those priorities by providing structured training and technical exchanges between the two countries’ law enforcement institutions.
The two sides said the cooperation reflects their shared interest in strengthening security, building institutional capacity and supporting stability in Somalia.
About the Author
Osman Hassan is a Senior Editor at the Somali Report based in Nairobi with over 15 years of experience in journalism. He has worked with local and international media outlets in Somalia and is an award-winning journalist. His reporting focuses on politics, security, and regional affairs in the Horn of Africa.