Somalia unveils new CID, court building in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia - As one of the key strategies to enhance social justice and security, authorities in Somalia have unveiled a new building that will play host to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and a public court, which will also serve as a prison complex.

For decades, Somalia has strived to promote transparency in prosecution and justice delivery, with the justice department struggling for years to streamline operations besides having physical and designated rooms of operations.

The new CID headquarters were powered by the Joint Police Programme and was funded by international partners, who have played a key role in rebuilding of the country. The donors are keen to see enhanced police and justice reforms in the country.

"The CID office block we are inaugurating today is central to our criminal justice system and crime prevention efforts in Somalia," a representative from the Somali Police Force stated during the inauguration.

Judicial reforms in the country have been a major concern for international partners, who pump a lot of resources to streamline service delivery and respect human rights. Somalia ranks low on the preservation of human rights worldwide.

"This new complex has markedly enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of our correctional system, contributing to significant improvements in the rehabilitation and security of inmates," an official from the Somali Federal Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs explained.

Some of the international community members who support the stabilization course include the African Union, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had pledged 'radical reforms' in the economy and justice system.

The deputy EU Ambassador to Somalia Thomas Kieler emphasized these facilities' critical role in the nation's progress on peace and the rule of law. "The Criminal Investigations Directorate will be important in this regard for building capacity and providing services to citizens," observed Kieler.

GAROWE ONLINE