Somalia Celebrates Somali Police Force’s 82nd Anniversary Focusing on Security and Public Cooperation. MOGADISHU, Somalia — December 20, 2025 The Somali Police Force (SPF) commemorated its 82nd anniversary today, emphasizing the importance of enhanced national security and public cooperation.
The anniversary, which falls on December 20 each year, is a significant milestone for Somalia, symbolizing the country’s enduring institutions and honoring the legacy of the oldest branch of Somalia’s security apparatus.
Brigadier General Asad Osman Abdullahi, the Somali Police Commissioner, led the nation in commemorating the day.
In a statement to officers, non — commissioned officers, privates, and their families, the Commissioner congratulated all ranks of the force and emphasized the anniversary as a critical day for the institution. He encouraged the security forces to see this milestone as a motivation to increase their efforts in fulfilling their national duties.
Established in 1943, the SPF holds a unique place in Somalia’s history, having been formed before the country gained official independence.
As the most senior service branch, often referred to as the “mother of the forces, “the police played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for the Somali state. Their formation was considered vital for creating a government structure capable of engaging with the rest of the world on equal footing.
Throughout its history, the SPF has been central to the defense of the people and the nation.
The force played a constructive role in the struggle for independence and demonstrated remarkable bravery during the major conflicts of 1964 and 1977, fighting to liberate occupied Somali territories.
The duties of the Somali Police are clearly enshrined in the national constitution, encompassing responsibilities that serve the interests of the country and the international community, including combating domestic and transnational crime, fighting terrorism, defending the nation, ensuring internal security, and upholding the rule of law.
As the primary agency responsible for civil law enforcement, the Somali Police Force maintains an active membership and a genuine working relationship with Interpol, connecting Somalia’s security architecture to the global policing network. Despite the collapse of the central government in 1991, significant strides have been made since the early 2000s to reorganize and revitalize the force, with the reintegration of various commands and the recruitment of a new generation of youth instrumental in restoring law and order. Today, the Somali public expresses visible satisfaction with the current trajectory of police operations and their contribution to national development.
The leadership emphasized that the police are the “companions of the public,” calling on citizens to work closely with security officers to maintain stability and foster a system of order. Celebrations are currently underway across the country, with units displaying their readiness to mark this day that holds great significance for the Somali nation.
The SPF continues to focus on modernization, advanced training to enhance professional skills, and the provision of necessary equipment to secure the country’s future effectively.
Further details are expected as the SPF moves forward in its commitment to national security and public cooperation.
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Source: sonna.
