The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
Construction starts on Somalia's new Criminal Investigation Department headquarters
The new headquarters will play a critical role in improving access to justice and maintaining law and order in the country.
- This article was originally published 3 March 2023.
Project updates:
7 March 2024
The newly inaugurated Criminal Investigation Department headquarters marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to enhance community safety and security in Somalia.
The state-of-the-art facility is equipped with forensics laboratories, extensive criminal records archives, situation rooms, conference halls and advanced communications networks. It is also accessible, ensuring that it can accommodate different mobility needs, including people in wheelchairs.
Spanning over 10,000 square metres, the new headquarters will help Somalia address longstanding security challenges and strengthen law enforcement capabilities.
Part of the Somali Police Force, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) operates throughout the country and is responsible for handling investigations, fingerprinting, criminal records, immigration matters and passport services.
Built to the highest standards, the new headquarters in Mogadishu will provide the CID with a much-needed operational base and will allow its officers to carry out their duties more effectively.
The new headquarters will facilitate CID's operations and enhance the services provided to ensure community safety and security in Somalia.
The construction of the CID headquarters is part of the Somali-led Joint Police Programme. The programme aims to transform the Somali police force and build a safer, more secure future for the people of Somalia.
"It is very important for us to support the police and to make sure to improve access to justice for all the population," said Véronique Geoffroy, Programme Manager – Rule of Law and Police, European Union in Somalia.
Funded by the European Union, Germany’s Federal Foreign Office and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the $54 million programme is implemented by UNOPS and the UN Development Programme, in partnership with the African Union Transition Mission to Somalia and UN Police.
