Mogadishu, Somalia – The Somali Police Force marked a significant milestone on Wednesday with the graduation of a new cohort of its elite Crisis Response Team (CRT) in Mogadishu.
The ceremony, presided over by Police Commissioner General Asad Osman and U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Richard Riley, highlighted the growing capacity of Somalia’s security institutions to counter urban threats and strengthen rule of law.
The newly trained officers are part of a specialized unit tasked with rapid deployment in response to terrorist attacks, hostage situations, and other high-risk incidents. The CRT, established with international support, has become a frontline force in Mogadishu and other urban centers, where security challenges remain acute.
Ambassador Riley praised the graduates for their commitment, noting that U.S. assistance to Somalia’s security sector is focused on building self-reliant, professional forces capable of protecting citizens. He underscored the importance of strong police institutions in consolidating Somalia’s state-building process.
General Osman congratulated the recruits, urging them to serve with discipline and integrity while safeguarding the public. He emphasized that the CRT plays a crucial role in protecting key areas of the capital and supporting wider stabilization efforts.
The graduation comes as Somalia continues to reform and modernize its security forces, preparing for the full handover of national security responsibilities with the drawdown of African Union peacekeepers. With extremist threats still present, the Somali government and its partners are prioritizing highly trained, mobile units like the CRT to respond swiftly to crises and protect civilians.