Somalia, Russia Discuss Expanded Police Training and Counterterrorism Cooperation

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia and Russia are seeking to strengthen security cooperation, with discussions focusing on police training, counterterrorism and cybersecurity as Mogadishu works to rebuild its security institutions and confront a prolonged Islamist insurgency.

Somalia’s Internal Security Minister, Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, held talks with Russian Deputy Interior Minister and State Secretary Igor Zubov on expanding cooperation in law enforcement, particularly through specialised training and professional development for the Somali Police Force.

According to Somalia’s Ministry of Internal Security, the discussions covered improving the skills of police officers, exchanging security expertise and strengthening institutional capacity to respond to emerging threats.

The two officials also explored cooperation in counterterrorism training, preventing violent extremism and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to radicalisation.

Criminal investigations and cybersecurity were among the other areas discussed, reflecting the growing importance of intelligence-sharing, digital capabilities and modern investigative techniques in combating organised crime and security threats.

Zubov expressed Moscow’s readiness to share expertise and provide training support to Somali law enforcement institutions, although no specific agreement or implementation timetable was announced.

The talks come as Somalia continues to face a persistent insurgency by Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-linked militant group that has fought successive governments for more than 15 years.

Despite military offensives aimed at weakening the group and recovering territory, Al-Shabaab continues to carry out attacks against security forces, government institutions and civilians, particularly in Mogadishu and parts of southern and central Somalia.

While the Somali National Army remains at the forefront of military operations, the Somali Police Force plays a central role in maintaining security in towns and cities, investigating criminal activities and preventing attacks.

Strengthening police capabilities is also important as Somalia gradually assumes greater responsibility for its security under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which succeeded the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in January 2025.

The transition has placed renewed emphasis on building capable national security institutions that can maintain stability and protect communities as international forces progressively transfer responsibilities to Somali authorities.

Somalia and Russia have a history of diplomatic relations dating back to the Soviet era, when Moscow provided military assistance and training to Somalia before relations deteriorated in the late 1970s following the Ogaden War.

In recent years, the two countries have sought to rebuild diplomatic engagement, with security cooperation emerging as one area of potential collaboration.

Closer engagement with Moscow forms part of Mogadishu’s broader effort to diversify international partnerships and secure technical assistance for institutions still recovering from decades of conflict.

The latest discussions signal interest in expanding that relationship into practical law enforcement cooperation, although the extent of Russia’s future involvement in Somali police training remains unclear.