Somali President Abdullahi ‘Farmajo’ Mohamed, has appointed Zakia Hussein to the position of general and deputy chief of the Somali Police Force.
Zakia becomes the first woman to hold such a top position in Somalia.
With over 14 years of experience, Zakia has had many firsts. She was appointed the new Director of Community Policing at the Somali Police Force in 2014, making her the first woman in many years to hold such a senior position. Before that, she had been the chief commander of community policing and public relations at the Mogadishu-based national agency.
Zakia is a proponent of gender equity and has been an advocate for the youth, serving as the secretary general of the Hanoolaato Party, a Somali youth advocacy group.
With a Master’s degree in International Relations and a postgraduate certificate in Diplomacy in Islam, Zakia has also worked as the programme manager and researcher for the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies and a part-time university lecturer at the University of Somalia.
Many Somalis have welcomed the move.
What a proud, proud day for #SomaliWomen everywhere!! Meet the FIRST #SomaliWoman Deputy Commander of z Somali Police Force, Gen @ZakiaHussen, & the FIRST woman Chief of Staff in @TheVillaSomalia, Dr. Amina Abdi Ali. #Somalia #SheIsTheFirst #Sheroes #WomenLeadership #GabdhoGuul❤ pic.twitter.com/jVQipinHc5
— Shakra Cadde?? (@ShakraCaddee) August 18, 2018
Somali President Mohamed Abdulahi Farmajo has today appointed the youngest and the first ever female Somali Federal Deputy Police Commissioner.
Congrats General @ZakiaHussen pic.twitter.com/62valhKhed— Mohamd Ahmd Cantoobo (@Cantoobo) August 16, 2018
Masha Allah congratulations I hope you will implement sustainable effective policing structures in every community and bring a real solutions
— Muktar Sheikh (@Muktar_Qoraxeey) August 16, 2018
Good pick! and congratulation to Zakia. I am sure she can bring change. SPF needs a thorough reform n restructure. The current old guards and former militias elements within the force need to go. New blood is what is needed and I am sure there are plenty of them within the Force
— Said Isak (@SaidIsak) August 16, 2018
We congratulate Colonel @ZakiaHussen on her appointment by Somali President Mohamed A. Farmajo as the youngest and first ever female Somali Federal Deputy Police Commissioner.#womenrise#TimeisNow#SWSC
— Somali Women S C (@SomaliWomenSC) August 17, 2018
@ZakiaHussen is an amazing person with big and beautiful heart. Her love for #Somalia is unmatchable. Thank you Zakia for your role in rebuilding #Somalia and congratulations to you for your new role within the #SomaliPoliceForces. Ma Allah protect U Amen. #Police #Somalis #Hope pic.twitter.com/Z8s7VDNilg
— Mohamed Said Asahaaf (@Asahaaf) August 16, 2018
She risked her life, sacrificed her career and stood firm through the most difficult & dangerous times in #Somalia. She persevered & her persistence paid off. Today she was appointed deputy chief of the Somali Police Force. Congratulations @ZakiaHussen #SomaliWomen #Mogadishu pic.twitter.com/aKuaeckk5Z
— Moulid Hujale (@MoulidHujale) August 16, 2018
