A new prison has been inaugurated in the southeastern part of Laascaanood as part of the expansion of detention facilities in the SSC-Khaatumo region. The construction, funded by the Federal Government of Somalia, replaces the old prison located in the city center, which was deemed necessary to relocate outside the urban area.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, the leader of SSC-Khaatumo emphasized the importance of the prison for his administration, stating that they are currently holding the largest number of war prisoners ever captured in Somalia. He accused the detainees of committing serious crimes in the region, necessitating the urgent construction of a modern prison.

The SSC-Khaatumo leader mentioned that Laascaanood was initially intended to have a school built, but the increasing number of war prisoners forced a shift in priorities towards constructing a prison instead of an educational facility.

“During the British administration, when they governed this land, they built the Laascaanood prison. According to the Minister of Justice, when the prison was being built, the British proposed constructing a school for the people of Laascaanood, but they refused and instead requested a prison to detain people. It seems that history is repeating itself—without even receiving the promised school, we are now prioritizing prisons. Circumstances and current pressures have dictated this decision,” said the SSC-Khaatumo leader.

The construction of this new prison is expected to significantly improve security management in the city and the handling of detainees.