Sunday February 2, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali Police Force Commander General Asad Osman Abdullahi Diyano met with the UK Ambassador to Somalia, Michael Nithavrianakis, and senior UK officials in Mogadishu on Sunday to discuss strengthening security collaboration and counter-terrorism efforts.
The meeting was attended by Deputy British Ambassador Sam Thomas, Defence Secretary Policy Natasha Hosford, and Counter-Terrorism Secretary Dan O’Byrne. Discussions focused on how the UK could provide additional support to further equip and train the Somali Police Force in combating threats posed by extremist groups.
General Asad Diyano expressed gratitude to the UK for its ongoing support and called for enhanced security cooperation to counter growing threats from Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants.
“We appreciate the UK’s role in supporting our police force and look forward to strengthening our collaboration in security and counter-terrorism efforts,” Diyano said.
UK Ambassador Michael Nithavrianakis commended the Somali Police Force for their achievements in improving security, particularly in Mogadishu, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to assisting Somalia.
“The UK commends the progress being made in securing the capital, and we will continue to support the Somali government in its mission to ensure lasting security,” Nithavrianakis said.
The UK is one of Somalia’s key European partners, assisting in capacity building, counter-terrorism, and security operations to combat threats from Al-Shabaab and ISIS, both of which remain significant challenges to Somalia’s stability.