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NAIROBI – The Swedish Government has announced the continuation of its support for efforts to reform Somalia’s prison sector, as part of its cooperation with the Somali Custodial Corps to strengthen the justice system, uphold the rule of law, and improve detention conditions in line with international human rights standards.
The announcement was made during discussions held in Nairobi, Kenya, between Sweden’s Ambassador to Somalia, Ambassador Hans Lundqvist, and a Somali delegation led by the Commander of the Somali Custodial Corps, Major General Mohamed Sheikh Mahmoud. The two sides discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation in the areas of security and justice, as well as enhance technical and institutional support for institutions responsible for managing correctional facilities.
During the meeting, the Swedish Ambassador affirmed his country’s commitment to continuing its support for the Somali Custodial Corps, particularly through programmes aimed at improving detention conditions, developing services provided to inmates, and building more efficient and humane correctional institutions capable of fulfilling their security and social roles.
Lundqvist explained that prison sector reform goes beyond improving infrastructure and basic services, stressing that it also includes ensuring respect for detainees’ rights and strengthening the implementation of national laws in accordance with international obligations. He emphasized the importance of providing an environment that supports rehabilitation, reform and the preservation of human dignity.
For his part, Commander of the Somali Custodial Corps Major General Mohamed Sheikh Mahmoud expressed appreciation for Sweden’s continued support, affirming that developing correctional institutions remains a priority within the Corps’ plans to transform prisons from traditional detention facilities into centres focused on rehabilitation, education, vocational training and social services for inmates.
He noted that achieving this transformation requires sustained cooperation with international partners, adding that the Somali Custodial Corps is working to strengthen its administrative and technical capacities and improve the professional skills of its personnel. Such efforts, he said, contribute to advancing the management of correctional institutions and supporting justice and the rule of law in Somalia.
The partnership comes as Somalia continues efforts to build stronger security and judicial institutions capable of responding to citizens’ needs. Prison sector reform represents a vital component of the justice system, not only through maintaining security but also by supporting the reintegration of released individuals, reducing the risk of reoffending and enhancing long-term community security.
Somalia-Sweden relations are part of a long-standing diplomatic and development partnership covering areas including institution-building, social development and support for the rule of law. Sweden has contributed to several programmes aimed at strengthening the capacities of Somali government institutions, while Somalia continues to reform its justice and security sectors as part of its broader state-building efforts.
Reforming the Somali Custodial Corps is considered one of the important priorities in the current phase, as it combines security, humanitarian and human rights dimensions. The reform reflects a shift in the concept of prisons from being solely places of punishment to becoming correctional institutions focused on protecting society and rehabilitating individuals in accordance with the principles of justice and human rights.
