By Zamzam Osman - Reporter
Somalia, 20 January 2026 Somalia’s internal security ministry on Tuesday approved the final stage of a multi-million dollar policing program, as the country prepares to take full responsibility for its own security by the end of 2026.
The Joint Police Programme Phase II (JPP II), which carries a total budget of $14.9 million across its 2024–2026 duration, is designed to professionalize the national and state forces during a critical transition away from international peacekeeping missions.
The program is primarily supported by the European Union and the United Kingdom, with implementation led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with UN Women and the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS).
In a statement following a steering committee meeting in Mogadishu, the Minister of Internal Security, Abdullahi Sheikh Isma’il ‘Fartaag’ emphasized that the program is vital for building a "capable, transparent, and accountable" police force that works closely with the Somali community.
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The 2026 roadmap focuses on stabilizing territories recently recovered from insurgent control and includes plans for a new Leadership Academy to standardize training across federal and regional levels.
As the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) completes its work, Somalia is preparing to take over its own security and protect its people's rights.
The steering committee, which includes regional security ministers and international partners, noted that the initiative will also prioritize the recruitment and promotion of female officers to improve engagement with vulnerable communities.
While the federal government has made territorial gains against Al Shabaab militants, ministry officials emphasized that long-term stability depends on professional civil law enforcement capable of providing security in the vacuum left by departing international troops.
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