“Somalia is My Second Country”: Djibouti Police Commander Arrives in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU – The Commander of the Djibouti National Police, Colonel Abdirahman Ali Kahin, has arrived in Mogadishu at the official invitation of his Somali counterpart, Major General Asad Osman Abdullahi, in a move that underscores the enduring security cooperation between the two neighbouring nations.

The visiting police chief was received at Aden Adde International Airport by General Abdullahi and other senior Somali police officers, federal officials, and the Djiboutian Ambassador to Somalia. The warm reception reflected the close ties between the two countries, which share deep historical, cultural, and security links.

Somalia and Djibouti have consistently reaffirmed their strategic partnership, with stability and prosperity in the region closely intertwined. Djibouti, which hosts regional and international security partners, has been a key supporter of Somalia’s state-building efforts.

‘Somalia is My Second Country’

Speaking to reporters upon arrival, Colonel Kahin described Somalia as his “second country” and said he planned to visit various regions during his stay to assess the security situation firsthand. “I will be here for a few days, and I intend to tour the regions and observe the situation. Many false things are said about Somalia,” he said.

The Djibouti police chief also highlighted the shared history of the two nations, recalling the pivotal role Somalia played in Djibouti’s own liberation struggle. “Somalia is my second country. We know the efforts the Somali government has made. If Somalia did not exist, Djibouti would not have gained independence,” Kahin said.

The two countries have a long history of security collaboration, with Djibouti providing training and support to Somali security forces as part of broader efforts to stabilise the Horn of Africa.

Strengthening Law Enforcement Cooperation

The visit follows years of close cooperation between the police forces of both countries. Somalia and Djibouti have previously agreed to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, with senior officers from both nations affirming that closer ties would enhance peace and stability.

Hundreds of Somali police officers have received training in Djibouti, with the most recent batch completing a three-month programme in May 2024. The training initiatives are part of a broader effort to professionalise the Somali Police Force and enhance its capacity to maintain public order.

Djibouti’s Continued Commitment to Somalia’s Stability

Djibouti has remained a steadfast partner in Somalia’s security sector reform. Both countries have held extensive talks to enhance strategic cooperation in security and defence matters, with both sides working to coordinate efforts that promote stability across the Horn of Africa.

Djibouti’s Foreign Minister has previously reaffirmed his country’s commitment to regional peace through its contributions to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The visit of the police chief further cements this partnership at the operational level.

Way Forward

The visit is expected to yield practical outcomes in police cooperation, including intelligence sharing, joint training programmes, and operational coordination. As the Somali Police Force continues its reform and professionalisation process, Djibouti’s support remains a vital component of regional security architecture. The coming days will see the Djibouti police commander engage with his counterparts and visit various regions to assess the security landscape firsthand.