Somalia and Russia discuss security cooperation, police training and counterterrorism

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia and Russia have discussed strengthening security cooperation, including training and capacity-building for Somali police officers, as Mogadishu seeks to improve its ability to tackle terrorism and emerging security threats.

Somalia’s Minister of Internal Security, Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, held talks with Igor Zubov, Russia’s State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, focusing on expanding cooperation between the two countries. The discussions covered training and professional development for the Somali Police Force, improving officers’ knowledge and skills, and exchanging expertise in maintaining public security.

The Somali minister also raised the possibility of expanding Russian support for police training programmes focused on counterterrorism, preventing extremist ideology and addressing the underlying causes of radicalisation. The two officials further discussed strengthening the operational capabilities of security institutions and expanding cooperation in criminal investigations, cybersecurity and efforts to counter emerging security threats.

Zubov expressed Russia’s readiness to share expertise, experience and training programmes with Somalia in combating crime and strengthening national security, according to a statement from Somalia’s Ministry of Internal Security. The meeting is part of Mogadishu’s broader efforts to expand international security partnerships and strengthen the capabilities of the Somali Police Force to respond to terrorism, extremism and other security challenges.

Somalia has been working with international partners to rebuild its security institutions after decades of conflict, with police training, institutional development and counterterrorism cooperation forming key elements of its security strategy. The talks signal continued engagement between Mogadishu and Moscow on security matters, although no specific agreements, funding commitments or timelines for the proposed cooperation were announced in the statement.

Somalia’s Minister of Internal Security, Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, held talks with Igor Zubov, Russia’s State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, focusing on expanding cooperation between the two countries.

The discussions covered training and professional development for the Somali Police Force, improving officers’ knowledge and skills, and exchanging expertise in maintaining public security.

The Somali minister also raised the possibility of expanding Russian support for police training programmes focused on counterterrorism, preventing extremist ideology and addressing the underlying causes of radicalisation.

The two officials further discussed strengthening the operational capabilities of security institutions and expanding cooperation in criminal investigations, cybersecurity and efforts to counter emerging security threats.

Zubov expressed Russia’s readiness to share expertise, experience and training programmes with Somalia in combating crime and strengthening national security, according to a statement from Somalia’s Ministry of Internal Security.

The meeting is part of Mogadishu’s broader efforts to expand international security partnerships and strengthen the capabilities of the Somali Police Force to respond to terrorism, extremism and other security challenges.