Monday, June 23, 2025 – (HAN)
Mogadishu: In a significant step towards improving border control and national security, the Somali Immigration and Naturalization Agency (HSJ) has partnered with the United States Embassy in Mogadishu to conduct a specialized training program focused on modern border management systems.
This initiative marks a deepening collaboration between the two countries in addressing transnational security threats and enhancing the operational capabilities of Somali immigration officers.
The training, which was held in Mogadishu, centered on the PISCES system—Personnel Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System—a sophisticated border security platform developed and widely used by governments around the world. The system allows immigration authorities to screen travelers, detect forged documents, and identify individuals who may pose security risks at points of entry and exit.
Delivered by a team of experts from the U.S. government, the training covered advanced techniques in traveler data analysis, document verification, and real-time identity comparison. According to Somali officials, the program is designed to equip local immigration personnel with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively monitor and manage border movements in a manner consistent with international standards.
“This initiative is an important step in building a secure and well-governed border system in Somalia,” said a senior HSJ official. “By adopting technology like PISCES and benefiting from U.S. technical expertise, we are enhancing our ability to detect and deter illegal migration, transnational crime, and terrorist infiltration.”
The deployment of the PISCES system in Somalia is part of a broader effort by HSJ to modernize the country’s immigration infrastructure. It reflects ongoing reforms aimed at curbing undocumented travel, increasing institutional transparency, and contributing to the nation’s post-conflict recovery and stabilization efforts.
U.S. Embassy representatives reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Somalia’s progress in the areas of governance and security. “Strengthening border management is vital for national and regional stability,” one American official stated. “This training not only builds technical capacity but also reinforces the importance of cooperation in addressing global security challenges.”
The partnership has been welcomed by both regional and international stakeholders, who see it as a positive step in Somalia’s quest to restore law and order and regain full control over its borders.
As Somalia continues to emerge from decades of conflict and rebuild its state institutions, such joint efforts represent a crucial foundation for sustainable peace, economic development, and enhanced global integration.
