Mogadishu, Somalia – Saturday marked a major step in Somalia’s ongoing security reform as the International Cooperation Agency of Somalia (ICA) and INTERPOL finalized their Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), solidifying a framework first established through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2025.
The agreement, signed under the framework of INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau (NCB) for Somalia, lays down the practical guidelines for collaboration between Somali authorities and INTERPOL on matters of international policing, border protection, and crime prevention.
Officials from ICA hailed the milestone as proof of Somalia’s determination to modernize its security sector and align with global law enforcement standards.
“This SOP is not just a technical step; it is a signal of Somalia’s commitment to securing our borders and working hand in hand with international partners to counter transnational threats,” ICA stated.
The new operating procedures will enhance Somalia’s ability to share intelligence, track cross-border criminal networks, and improve coordination in areas such as counter-terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and cybercrime. By strengthening the role of the NCB, Somali security agencies will now be better connected to INTERPOL’s global policing tools, databases, and rapid response systems.
Security analysts note that this development comes at a time when Somalia is intensifying its fight against violent extremism and organized crime, while also preparing for a post-ATMIS security landscape. Enhanced cooperation with INTERPOL is expected to bolster national law enforcement capabilities and reassure regional and international partners of Somalia’s security commitments.
The SOP signing is seen as a cornerstone in Somalia’s broader security and governance agenda, which emphasizes international cooperation as a pathway to stability, stronger border management, and long-term peace.