Hargeisa – (Hornpost) The Republic of Somaliland on Tuesday commemorated the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of its national police force, with President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi “Cirro” leading official celebrations at the central Police Headquarters Hall in Hargeisa.
Senior government officials, security commanders, diplomats and civil society representatives were in attendance.
President Abdirahman “The Police are the backbone of our peace and statehood”
In his address, President Cirro praised the Somaliland Police Force for what he called “historic service” in safeguarding national security and public safety since 1992. He thanked officers for their “discipline, sacrifice and loyalty,” noting that the country’s stability rests on their work.
“The police are the foundation of the peace we sleep on and wake up to,” the President said. “They are the backbone of our state and a symbol of the resilience and unity of our nation.”
The President said his administration was committed to strengthening and modernizing the Police Force to meet rapidly changing national and community security needs. He promised improved training, upgraded infrastructure and new equipment.
Police Commissioner highlights reforms:
Police Commissioner Abdirahman Abdillahi Hassan (Abdidhere) outlined key developments achieved in recent months, including:
Installation of CCTV surveillance in parts of Hargeisa, Reconstruction of several police stations, Introduction of digital systems to register crimes and track criminal cases, Expansion of community policing programmed
He added that the force was working to improve investigative capacity and transparency in handling criminal cases.
Interior Ministry praises performance:
Interior Minister Abdalle Mohamed Carab congratulated the force and said the public often underestimates how much the police handle daily. He praised operational units for responding quickly to incidents across the regions and for “maintaining territorial stability.”
Ibrahim Haji Abdi, head of police operations, presented data on recent major incidents, including homicides and organized crimes, saying suspects had been arrested in most cases.
Criticism from rights groups and opposition:
Despite official praise, human rights organizations and opposition figures continue to accuse Somaliland Police of lacking non-lethal tools for crowd control. They argue that during political protests, police have resorted to live ammunition due to insufficient riot-control equipment such as rubber bullets, paint markers, tear gas, or water cannons.
This criticism has been raised under both the current government and the previous administration. Analysts say the issue remains one of Somaliland’s most pressing policing challenges.
Background: 32 years of policing in a breakaway republic:
Somaliland Police were formed in 1992, just a year after the region declared the restoration of its independence. With support from traditional leaders and post-war reconciliation efforts, the force became a central pillar in rebuilding security after the civil war.
Security analysts often cite the police as one of the key reasons Somaliland managed to avoid the prolonged instability seen in southern Somalia. Community policing, clan-based dispute resolution and a small but structured command chain have been credited for stabilizing urban centers.
Editor’s Analysis: Why modernization is politically important
Strengthening the police is a major political promise of President Cirro’s government
Rising urban populations mean higher security pressure on Hargeisa and regional capitals
International donors view police professionalism as a measure of governance credibility
Handling protests without lethal force will be a key test for reforms
If the modernization plan succeeds — especially in adopting non-lethal methods — analysts say it could improve Somaliland’s human rights record and strengthen its case for international recognition.
Pictures of the event:
Prepared by
Hornpost staff Reporter
Hargeisa, Republic of Somaliland
