Somalia Launches Regional Counter-Smuggling Programme With UK, IOM

MOGADISHU – Somalia’s Minister of Internal Security, Gen. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag, launched the Regional Counter-Smuggling Programme in Mogadishu on July 23, a new partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UK Border Security Command aimed at strengthening security at the country’s airport borders.

The initiative comes as Somalia’s federal government pushes to modernize its immigration and border management systems, at a time when weak border controls remain a long-standing vulnerability exploited by militant groups and smuggling networks in the Horn of Africa.

According to IOM Somalia, which posted about the launch on social media, the program is intended to strengthen airport border management and protect migrants in Somalia. The post was reposted by the UK’s diplomatic mission in Somalia.

As reported by state media (SONNA), the launch ceremony was attended by officials from agencies that share responsibility for border security, including the Director General of the Immigration and Citizenship Agency, along with representatives of the UK and IOM.