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Somalia’s immigration chief has met with senior U.S. diplomats in Mogadishu to discuss ways to strengthen border controls, improve passport services, and expand joint security programs.
Mustafe Sheekh Ali Duhulow, the Director General of the Somali Immigration and Citizenship Authority (SICA), held the meeting on Sunday with U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Richard Hiley and Matthew Younger, who heads the embassy’s political and economic affairs section.
The talks mainly focused on three areas: improving border security, gaining wider international recognition for the Somali passport, and rolling out the new U.S.-supported PISCES border control system. The system is designed to help authorities track travelers more efficiently, enhance screening at entry points, and detect potential threats in real time.
Another major topic was the integration of passport services between the Immigration Authority and the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA). This move aims to streamline the issuing of official documents, making it easier for Somali citizens to obtain passports while improving security checks to prevent fraud and identity theft.
Capacity-building was also high on the agenda. Both sides discussed programs to train and equip Somali immigration personnel so they can better handle security challenges. This includes technical training, providing modern equipment, and sharing expertise on international best practices in immigration and border control.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the U.S. Embassy described the discussions as “very productive” and reaffirmed Washington’s support for Somalia’s security efforts.
“We very much appreciate our valuable relationship with DG Dhuholow and the Federal Government of Somalia on this important issue,” the embassy said. “For every nation, border security is national security. In Somalia, border security is also a key element in the fight against al-Shabaab/al Qaeda and ISIS.”
The meeting comes at a time when Somalia is facing increased security threats from both militant groups and cross-border criminal networks. With al-Shabaab and ISIS-linked elements still active in the region, border security has become an essential part of the country’s counterterrorism strategy. Somali authorities say that controlling entry and exit points will not only help in preventing militants from moving across borders but will also reduce smuggling and human trafficking.
The Somali government has been seeking more international assistance to strengthen its border security infrastructure. Officials believe that closer cooperation with partners like the United States will improve the country’s ability to respond to emerging threats.
The U.S. has long been a key security partner for Somalia, providing training, funding, and technology to help the country’s security forces. The introduction of the PISCES system is one of several joint initiatives aimed at modernizing Somalia’s border management. This system, already in use in several other countries, uses advanced technology to collect and analyze traveler information, helping authorities identify high-risk individuals before they can pose a threat.
Integration between the Immigration Authority and NIRA is also expected to bring wider benefits. By linking passport issuance with the national identification system, authorities will be able to verify identities more accurately and detect attempts to use fake or duplicate documents. This step is seen as critical to gaining stronger international acceptance of Somali travel documents.
Speaking after the meeting, Somali officials welcomed the U.S. commitment to supporting their efforts, noting that better border control will not only enhance national security but also boost public confidence in government services.
The talks reflect a broader push by Somalia to modernize its immigration and security systems as part of its long-term stability plans. While significant challenges remain, such as limited resources and the ongoing threat of terrorism, the government hopes that partnerships with international allies will help bridge the gap.
With heightened regional security concerns and ongoing conflicts in neighboring areas, Somali leaders say improving border control is no longer just an option—it is a necessity for protecting the country’s sovereignty, safeguarding its citizens, and combating transnational threats.