Friday May 3, 2024
The newly inaugurated Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) headquarters in Mogadishu, Somalia, pictured during its opening ceremony. This modern facility is part of Somalia's efforts to enhance law enforcement capabilities and improve public safety across the nation. CREDIT / EU
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia has taken a major step forward in its journey towards enhanced public safety with the launch of new facilities. These include the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) headquarters and the Mogadishu Prison and Court Complex (MPCC), both of which are designed to bolster the country's justice and security systems.
The state-of-the-art CID headquarters, initiated by the Somali-led Joint Police Programme (JPP) and funded by international donors such as the EU, Germany, and the UK, marks a substantial advancement in the country's fight against crime. This facility is designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the Somali Police Force, incorporating human rights considerations with separate detention areas for different genders and facilities for the mobility impaired.
"The CID office block we are inaugurating today is central to our criminal justice system and crime prevention efforts in Somalia," a representative from the Somali Police Force stated during the inauguration.
The MPCC, which was unveiled in 2019 with support from the UNODC’s Global Maritime Crime Programme, is a unique facility that integrates courts within the prison complex. This innovative approach not only eases the burden on the judicial system but also mitigates the risks and logistical challenges associated with transporting high-risk prisoners to court, thereby enhancing safety and expediting legal proceedings.
"This new complex has markedly enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of our correctional system, contributing to significant improvements in the rehabilitation and security of inmates," an official from the Somali Federal Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs explained.
The forthcoming official handover of the court facility within the MPCC in 2024 highlights international support for strengthening Somalia's legal infrastructure. Denmark, the EU, the Netherlands, Sweden, the UK, and the US support the project.
Deputy EU Ambassador to Somalia Thomas Kieler emphasized these facilities' critical role in the nation's progress on peace and the rule of law. "The Criminal Investigations Directorate will be important in this regard for building capacity and providing services to citizens," observed Kieler.