MOGADISHU, (HAN) — Somalia’s elite police unit, known as Haramcad, is undergoing major restructuring and professional development with strong support from Turkey, according to the Turkish state-run Anadolu News Agency. The move is part of a broader effort to improve Somalia’s internal security and enhance counterterrorism capabilities amid ongoing threats from extremist groups.
Officials say the restructuring includes comprehensive training programs, leadership development, and strategic coordination modeled after Turkey’s own police systems. The training emphasizes urban security operations, crowd control, and counterterrorism tactics — key areas for Somalia’s ongoing stabilization efforts.
Gasar Tansu Utku, an official at the Turkish Embassy in Mogadishu, said Turkey is sharing its extensive policing experience with friendly nations such as Somalia. “By transferring our law enforcement expertise, we aim to help strengthen national security institutions in Somalia and contribute to peace and stability across the region,” Utku said.
According to Anadolu, several Somali officers who graduated from Turkish universities and police academies have now joined the Haramcad unit. These newly trained officers bring advanced skills and modern policing approaches inspired by Turkish law enforcement models.
The Haramcad unit, often referred to as the “Cheetah Force,” is known for executing some of the most high-risk security operations in the country, including anti-terror missions and urban counterinsurgency efforts. Their role has become increasingly critical in Mogadishu and other major cities as the Somali government continues its campaign against the militant group al-Shabaab.
Turkey has been a key partner in rebuilding Somalia’s security sector over the past decade, providing training, equipment, and infrastructure support to both the police and the military. Turkish advisors have also played an instrumental role in professionalizing Somali institutions through the Turkish Military Training Mission (TURKSOM) and police cooperation programs.
Observers note that the latest restructuring of the Haramcad unit demonstrates deepening security ties between Mogadishu and Ankara, reflecting Turkey’s long-term commitment to Somalia’s state-building process.
