“Thank you all for the congratulations and prayers you sent me. It is by the grace of God that I have been given another opportunity to represent my people and my country. From Nation to Continent to Global Power, God willing,” wrote former Somali Police Commissioner Brigadier General Zakia Hussen, announcing her new role on Facebook.
She added that the post, which she secured after a competitive process, is not a political appointment but a professional one. “No, this is a position I personally applied for and went through a process that included an application, interview and exam,” she clarified, pushing back on questions about government influence.
Zakia has been appointed Senior Policing Adviser for African peacekeeping operations at the African Union. In this new role, she will lead police reform efforts across AU missions and regional forces, focusing on training, recruitment, deployment and policy development.
She said the position allows her to contribute “from the other side,” a reference to Somalia’s long experience as a host of AU peacekeepers. She described the appointment as both a personal milestone and “an important step in Somalia’s security journey.”
On social media, Zakia also addressed recurring questions:
Was this a Somali government appointment? “No. I applied for this international role for three main reasons. First, to step away from the cycle of return to office politics that has paralyzed our state building, which I call ‘Comeback Politics.’ Second, to open a new path for professional officers in the Somali security forces to see that there is life after being a commander. Third, to show the world the level of knowledge and expertise within our forces.”
Would she only work with the AU? “No. I will be working with the African Union, regional security organizations across the continent such as ECOWAS, SADC and EASF, as well as partner countries that support Africa’s peacekeeping forces, particularly the United Kingdom.”
Born in Mogadishu in 1984, Zakia fled the civil war at age six and resettled in Sweden. At 22 she moved to the United Kingdom, where she earned two Master’s degrees in international relations and diplomacy. While in the UK, she became active in Somali diaspora politics, joining youth movements focused on peace, governance and national identity. Inspired by her grandfather’s role in Somalia’s independence and concerned about growing extremism, she became a well known voice in global Somali forums.
In 2012 she returned to Somalia alone. She began work at a local think tank, then joined the Somali Police Force. She rose quickly, becoming Deputy Commissioner and later the first woman to serve as Police Commissioner.
At the AU, Zakia will help design peacekeeping strategies, advise on professional policing standards, and support leadership development across the continent. She says her priority is building local police forces that are professional, independent and trusted by the people.
While the contract is international, Zakia emphasized where her loyalties remain. “My heart, my mind and my blood will always belong to the Somali people and the Somali nation.”
Her appointment is seen as a major milestone for Somalia, and a strong example of African leadership shaping African security.
