Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) is intensifying efforts to strengthen border security and international partnerships, highlighting collaboration with Türkiye and Interpol as key priorities.
Mustafa Sheikh Ali Dhuhulow, ICA’s Director General, told Anadolu Agency on Monday that the agency — one of Somalia’s largest federal institutions with over 1,400 employees — is responsible for preventing unauthorized travel and increasingly contributes to the country’s broader security framework.
“The immigration system has come a long way,” Dhuhulow said, recalling that ICA, established in 1946, previously operated under the Somali Police and later the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).
He noted that the agency recently deployed the US-supported Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System (PISCES) at border points to verify travelers and ensure proper documentation. ICA staff are currently undergoing training to implement the system effectively.
Dhuhulow added that Somalia has formalized cooperation with Interpol to access international watch lists and has engaged with officials from the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, and Finland to expand collaboration.
Describing Türkiye as a “close ally,” he said Mogadishu seeks deeper partnerships on staff training, capacity building, and the international recognition of Somali passports. “Türkiye are our brothers. They’ve been with us for a long time. They help us a lot,” Dhuhulow said. “We really want them to work with us and give us support in the recognition of the passport.”
He also highlighted daily Turkish Airlines flights as a sign of strong bilateral ties and called on Ankara to further expand support for Somalia’s immigration system. Officials stressed that effective immigration management is a critical component of Somalia’s international engagement and security agenda.
Source: Anadolu Agency (AA)