Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The Somali government has on Monday expressed its appreciation to Serbia for its ongoing support in training Somali police officers.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Ministry of the Interior and the police of Serbia for providing invaluable training to our police officers. This support is vital in rebuilding the Somali police. We deeply value Serbia’s continued assistance. Long live Somalia and Serbia,” the statement from Somalia’s embassy in Serbia read.

In 2023, 60 Somali special security officers returned to Mogadishu after completing a four-month intensive training program at the Marshal Josip Broz Tito Special Forces Training School in Belgrade.

This training was part of efforts to enhance security and protect Somali political leaders, including the President, and foreign dignitaries. Later, an additional 44 Somali police officers received similar training in Serbia.

The Somali Police Command has continued to prioritize skill development, revealing in 2024 that around 100 officers have been sent for training in various countries, including China, Egypt, and Serbia.

“We are sending 20 members to China, 25 to Serbia, and 24 officers, along with 15 coaches, to Egypt for training in counter-terrorism, criminal investigation, and management,”Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed, Director of the Police Planning and Training Unit said in April this year.