Italy expands police training and security support for Somalia
Italian Ambassador Pier Mario Daccò Coppi says Rome will deepen its cooperation with Somalia on police training, institutional development and efforts to prevent violent extremism.
MOGADISHU, September 1, 2026 — Italy has pledged to strengthen its support for Somalia’s security institutions, with an emphasis on police training, stabilisation and government-led projects in communities affected by conflict.Speaking at Somalia’s National Internal Security Conference in Mogadishu, Italian Ambassador Pier Mario Daccò Coppi described the gathering as an important opportunity to bring together the political and institutional leadership of the internal security sector
The two-day conference brings together representatives of the federal government and federal member states to discuss security governance, institutional coordination and the supervisory role of the Ministry of Internal Security.Daccò Coppi said Somalia was making important progress in institution-building and stabilisation, although the process remained gradual.
Longstanding police and security cooperation
The ambassador described relations between Italy and Somalia as a historic partnership that had endured the instability and conflict of Somalia’s recent past.He said Italy’s policy was guided by support for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and stabilisation.The two countries have maintained a defence cooperation framework since 2013. The Italian Carabinieri began training members of the Somali Police Force’s Darwish units in Djibouti in 2014.
According to the Italian Ministry of Defence, the MIADIT programme trained 3,100 Somali police personnel over its first 10 years. The courses cover law enforcement, stability policing and responses to high-risk security incidents. Italian Ministry of DefenceItaly also participates in three European Union operations linked to Somalia: EUTM Somalia, EUCAP Somalia and Operation Atalanta.EUTM supports military training, EUCAP helps strengthen civilian law-enforcement capacity, and Atalanta focuses on maritime security and counter-piracy operations.
Five-year police training framework
Daccò Coppi highlighted a memorandum signed in Mogadishu on July 3, 2026, by Somali Internal Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartag and Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi.The memorandum creates a government-to-government framework for vocational and academic police training, train-the-trainer programmes, study visits, exchanges and the sharing of professional expertise.It also establishes a joint working group responsible for coordinating implementation, reviewing progress and planning future activities.The framework will remain in force for an initial five years and may be renewed through the written consent of both governments. Somalia’s Ministry of Internal Security
The ambassador said a further agreement on police training was expected to follow. He added that broader cooperation between the two countries’ police institutions would support efforts against transnational organised crime, irregular migration and terrorism.
No date or detailed terms for the expected follow-up agreement were announced.
Preventing violent extremism
Daccò Coppi argued that force and legislation alone were not sufficient to counter violent extremism.He said security measures should be accompanied by efforts to address social and economic conditions that can contribute to radicalisation.The ambassador connected this approach to the Towards Peace and Stability in Somalia, or TPSS, programme launched by Italy and the Federal Government of Somalia.Under the initiative, Somali authorities identify priority interventions, while Italy provides funding for projects intended to strengthen services and stability in vulnerable areas.
Health projects in three districts
Somalia’s Office of the Prime Minister selected health projects in three districts:
- Afmadow in Jubaland
- Harardhere in Galmudug
- Adale in Hirshabeelle
In Adale, the programme will rehabilitate and bring Sheikh Ahmed Gabyow Hospital into operation. The district has a population of approximately 100,000 people, including internally displaced communities.The TPSS programme has an initial budget of €3.82 million. It is financed by Italy and implemented by the Somali Prime Minister’s Office. Italian Agency for Development Cooperation
Daccò Coppi said he hoped the conference would strengthen institutional coordination and improve the capabilities of Somalia’s security forces.He said the long-term objective was for Somali institutions to assume full responsibility for national security through the lawful, legitimate and accountable use of force.
