MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s federal government has officially launched a three-year Regional Counter-Smuggling Programme (RCSP) aimed at strengthening border security, improving state institutions and boosting regional cooperation to combat human trafficking and organised cross-border crime.
The programme was launched by Interior Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Fartaag), who said securing the country’s borders was a national priority and a key pillar for protecting domestic security, facilitating legal movement and tackling international crime networks.
The initiative is led by Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency, with support from the United Kingdom government, while the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is responsible for implementation. The programme forms part of a wider regional effort involving Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.
The launch ceremony was attended by officials from the Somali federal government, security agencies, the Immigration and Citizenship Agency, UK representatives, IOM officials and other partners supporting border management and security initiatives.
Hussein Qasim Yusuf, director general of Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency, said the programme would address challenges linked to human trafficking, irregular migration, forged travel documents and organised criminal networks operating across borders.
The RCSP is expected to enhance coordination among government institutions and regional partners while strengthening Somalia’s capacity to manage migration and secure its borders.
