Zakia Hussein Ahmed Ranked Somalia’s First Female General

Mogadishu, August 26, 2018 –Zakia Hussein Ahmed, Somalis new deputy commander, became the first ever woman to take on the rank of General in the history of Somalia’s security forces.

General Zakia of the Somali Police Force had the new badges of ranks pinned on her shoulders by Prime Minister on behalf of the President in a rank wearing ceremony held in Mogadishu on Saturday.

Ms Zakia Hussein now assumes the new position of Somalia’s Deputy Police Commander, the first of its kind for a Somali woman, a position that entails overseeing federal police forces throughout the country.

Speaking at the ceremony, H. E. Hassan Ali Khaire commended the role of Somali women in rebuilding the nation, adding it’s very important recognizing the tireless contribution they are making in every field, especially in the security sector.

“No nation can succeed if half of its population does not get their rights. It is time to recognize their contribution in the society. We do not only want you to achieve such height in the nation’s security forces, but also encourage you to vie for top leadership positions such as president or prime minister,” the Prime Minister said.

Somali president, Mohamed Abdullah Mohamed (Farmajo) on August 16, 2018 promoted Ms Zakia to the rank of General and nominated as Somalia’s Deputy Police Commander along with other officers from the Army and Police as part of security sector reforms being undertaken by the government.

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Communication and media department
Mogadishu, Somalia
media@opm.gov.so
Twitter: @SomaliPM