First Somali police officers graduate from Russian academy in nearly 40 years
Four Somali police officers graduated from Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs Academy of Public Administration with master’s degrees, marking a renewed phase of training cooperation between Somalia and Russia.
Mogadishu (Somali Report) — Four Somali police officers have graduated from Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs Academy of Public Administration, earning master’s degrees in a program expected to support the modernization of Somalia’s police force.
The officers specialized in public administration and strategic planning, areas officials said are important for leading security institutions, improving governance, developing policy and strengthening police services.
Somali police officials described the graduation as a significant achievement for the Somali Police Force, saying the officers are expected to take on roles in rebuilding and improving security institutions.
The graduation also carries historical significance because it marks the first time in nearly 40 years that Somali officers have graduated from a university in Russia, according to the government.
The development reflects renewed educational and institutional cooperation between Somalia and Russia, particularly in training, exchange programs and capacity building for government agencies.
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Officials said the knowledge gained by the officers is expected to help improve the Somali Police Force’s efficiency, leadership capacity and long-term planning. Somalia has been working to rebuild its security institutions after decades of conflict, weak governance and limited resources.
Police reform remains a key part of Somalia’s wider security transition as the country works to strengthen national forces and reduce reliance on foreign troops and international partners. Training in administration and strategic planning is considered important for improving command structures, accountability and public service delivery.
Somalia and Russia have a long and complicated history of relations. Diplomatic ties between Somalia and the Soviet Union were established on Sept. 11, 1960, shortly after Somalia’s independence. In June 1961, the two countries signed a cultural cooperation agreement.
Military cooperation began in 1962, when Somali personnel were sent to the Soviet Union for military education. During the early years of Somalia’s state-building period, Moscow became one of Mogadishu’s major military and political partners.
Relations deteriorated sharply in November 1977, when Somali President Mohamed Siad Barre terminated the 1974 Soviet-Somali Friendship Treaty and expelled Soviet military advisers and diplomats during the Ogaden War.
In recent years, Somalia and Russia have taken steps to renew engagement, with both sides signaling interest in expanding cooperation in education, training, security and institutional development.
Somali officials said the graduation of the four officers is part of that renewed relationship and could open the way for further training opportunities for Somali government personnel.
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.