Somalia’s maritime capabilities received a major boost today with the inauguration of a new, state-of-the-art facility for the Somali Police Force (SPF) in the capital, Mogadishu, funded by the European Union and developed by the United Nations.

"In recent years Somalia has expanded its maritime law enforcement capability, allowing the SPF to deliver safety and security around Mogadishu Port and along Somalia’s coastline. This furnished and equipped base will allow the SPF to become increasingly more effective,” the UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Somalia, Anita Kiki Gbeho, said in her remarks at the inauguration ceremony.

"For Somalia to continue expanding its ‘blue economy’ and benefit from wealth generating opportunities its vast coast offers, maritime security and law enforcement will need to continue playing an enabling role,” she added, while also noting that the facility will supports the development of Somalia’s ocean governance structures.

Others attending the event included Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Ports and Marine Resources, Dr. Mahad Mohamed Hassan; the SPF Police Commissioner, Major General Abdi Hassan Mohamed; the Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Somalia, Ambassador Tiina Intelmann; and the Head of the European Union Capacity Building Mission inSomalia (EUCAPSOM), Chris Reynolds.