Somalia has announced plans to motivate and improve on the skills of its police force.

This was announced during a visit between General Asad Osman Abdullahi, Commander of the Somali Police Force, and experts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The discussion in Mogadishu centered around the FBI’s involvement in training Somali police officers and enhancing police reforms, with Gen Abdullahi commending their strong commitment to developing and modernizing police operations.

The visiting officials, on their part, expressed admiration for the ongoing acceleration and modernization of the Somali Police Force’s work processes, emphasizing the importance of their partnership in the fight against terrorism.

The FBI has been a crucial ally in supporting Somali authorities in this endeavor.

In October, 2024, General Abdullahi also welcomed Colonel David Haskell, the Commander of Special Operations of the United States, to his office.

Conversations during this meeting focused on training initiatives for the Somali police, strategies to combat the Al-Shabaab group, and other critical security issues.

Colonel Haskell reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the police force and enhancing overall security stability in Somalia.

General Asad Osman Abdullahi, also known as “Asad Diano,” was appointed Chief of the Somali Police Force on September 26, 2024 and assumed the role four days later during an elaborate ceremony held at the police headquarters in Mogadishu, succeeding Major General Sulub Ahmed Firin.

Upon taking office, General Abdullahi implemented new security laws, particularly targeting the capital, Mogadishu.

He also made key personnel changes among top officers across various districts to improve efficiency in maintaining security in a country that has for long been plagued by security challenges attributed to the strong presence of terror group Al Shabaab.

Prior to his current role, General Abdullahi served as the Director General of the Puntland Security Forces (PSF) for several years.

In 2019, he ran for the presidency of Puntland State of Somalia, finishing a close second to Said Deni. He co-founded the Mideeye political party in 2020 and participated in the 2023 Puntland presidential election.