On Saturday, the governments of Italy and Somalia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding police force training cooperation, a move that both sides described as strengthening security cooperation and the development of law enforcement agencies. The agreement has been officially ratified by the Minister of Internal Security for the Federal Government of Somalia, General Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail known as Fartag, and the Italian Interior Minister, Mr. Matteo Piantedosi, who is currently on an official working visit to Mogadishu. According to the joint statement, the agreement establishes a cooperation framework focusing on the academic and professional police training and preparation of instructors, exchange of experiences, studying visits, and sharing of best practices.
The terms of the agreement also entails holding meetings, seminars, workshops, and high level training sessions as well as projects aimed at enhancing the specialized capabilities of both countries’ police forces in the areas of mutual interest. The two governments also agreed to establish a joint committee to oversee the agreement’s implementation, assess progress, and plan future phases of cooperation. This committee will consist of representatives appointed by the relevant institutions of both countries.
The communique noted that all cooperative activities will comply with the domestic laws of both countries, international regulations and Italy’s obligations arising from its European Union Membership. It also highlighted that the cooperation will respect human rights and the protection of personal data. The agreement is valid for a five year period and is renewable, its signing comes as Somalia and Italy expand their cooperation in the areas of security, the development of government institutions, and the security force capacity building.
