The Deputy Inspector General of the Somali Police, Gen.Bashir Muhammed, says his war ravaged country, plans to form a partnership with Uganda to improve efforts to plug gaps in security along their boarders.
Speaking to URN Reporter in Kampala, General Bashir said that it has become increasingly important for Somalia to ensure that security at its borders is stepped up to control the inflow of suspected terrorists into the country.
Under the partnership, police agencies from the east African countries will work within their geographical boundaries, increase information sharing and be ready to offer support when asked.
General Bashir says that unconfirmed reports from Uganda indicate that some members of the Islamic Council of Union (ICU) could be hiding within Uganda and Kenya. He said Uganda's relatively lenient immigration laws, combined with the largely open border, are a source of continued concern for Somali officials who fear that would-be terrorists and other criminals could escape into Uganda.
But the General said they are willing to cooperate with their Ugandan counterparts to identify the wanted terrorists and provide Uganda with their pictures to track them.
He said one of the most wanted ICU members are Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, the Sura president of the ICU.
