The Bureau of Forensic Science @BureauForensic received at its Headquarter in Garowe on 06 December 2025 a @UNFPA_SOMALIA delegation led by the Deputy Representative to Somalia Mr. Francis Anyansi and accompanied by Ms. Samira Mohamoud from the UNFPA Office in Puntland.
The UNFPA Team and the bureau’s staff had a productive discussion that started with a remote presentation by the Chancellor and Chief Scientific Officer Abdirashid M. Shire., Ph.D. The presentation summarized the long history (2017 - present) between the bureau and UNFPA and how the UNFPA’s support over the years had drastically changed the bureau to the positive as the delegation witnessed the bureau's progress on personnel, equipment, and forensic science service delivery – thanks to the series of UNFPA leadership from 2017. The bureau’s forensic science services are benefited by Puntland, Banadir, and the federal member states - data on these services were presented to the delegation.
The bureau's scientists then gave the delegation a tour of the bureau's laboratory where they saw the essential scientific instruments and listened the procedures used to arrive at scientific conclusions that aid investigations and prosecutions.
In short, it was productive visit and the bureau's staff, as always, appreciated the visit by the UNFPA delegation.
A Senior Scientist from the @BureauForensics Mr. Dahir A Hersi @DahirMao (https://t.co/GEa7ov8WMM., MSPH., https://t.co/qAqHpwixO8.) presented at the recently concluded (Nov 25 – 26, 2025) 1st Conference on the Development of Puntland’s Justice. It was well received presentation!
Returned from Rhodes, Greece, for attending the 28th Rhodes Academy of Oceans Law and Policy. Very high level annual summer program established in 1996. It was pleasure meeting with senior counsel Larry and Prof A. Miron who represented Somalia before the ICJ.
Constructive discussions with Puntland’s president Deni on security, politics, economic and social development. Head of Development Corporation Gertrud Birk and chief adviser JP Dyrbak congratulated Puntland on the fight against ISIS. Denmark shares objectives with Puntland on climate, green growth, state building, stability and resilience
🔬 Our DHM, Gertrud Kümmel Birk & Senior Advisor Jens-Peter Dyrbak visited @BureauForensics in Garowe, Puntland, which we support alongside @unicefsomalia
From sexual assault cases to police training, forensic science strengths justice & accountability in Somalia 🇸🇴
Thanks Ambassador Birk @GertrudBirk for the kind words. We are delighted for you and your delegation to witness firsthand how the bureau’s forensic science work contributes to the justice systems in Puntland and Somalia as a whole. We appreciate the support we are receiving from @unicefsomalia and @DKinSomalia. Thank you!
@_barefootpirate @DKinSomalia@GertrudBirk Thanks for your question, Dr. Khalaf. The future forensic plan, in part, will have components of education and training - hope we shall realize the big dream.
The scientists @BureauForensics were enormously delighted to have welcomed today (June 25, 2025) at the bureau's headquarters in Garowe, Puntland, the Deputy Head of Mission & Head of Cooperation at the Danish Somalia Embassy @DKinSomalia Ms. Gertrud Kümmel Birk @GertrudBirk and a senior colleague Mr. Jens-Peter Dyrbak @JensPeterDyrbak.
The scientists from the bureau and the esteemed delegation had excellent discussion which touched upon many parts of the bureau's forensic science work – starting from the crime scene and ending at courts. Further, the bureau's scientists gave the delegation a tour of the facility and they witnessed the bureau's exceptional forensic science work for Puntland, member states of the Federal Government of Somalia, and Banadir. The delegation also saw a presentation about the bureau's history, current scientific capabilities, and future plans including the construction of a new forensic campus.
The delegation appreciated the bureau's forensic science work and how the bureau's scientists are diligently and credibly performing their science work for Somalia. The delegation left extremely fascinated by the bureau's dedication to serving all Somalis in the area of forensic science.
The scientists @BureauForensics were extremely thrilled to have welcomed today (June 21, 2025) at the bureau's headquarters in Garowe, Puntland, Somalia Representative Samakab Hussein @samakabforhouse who represents District 65A of Minnesota House of Representatives @mnhouseDFL.
The staff from the bureau and the distinguished representative had excellent discussion which touched upon many parts of the bureau's forensic science work - from the crime scene to courts.
The bureau's scientists gave the representative a tour of the facility and he witnessed the bureau's outstanding forensic science work to Puntland, member states of the Federal Government of Somalia, and Banadir. The representative and his delegation appreciated the bureau's forensic science work and they left extremely impressed by the bureau's commitment to serving all Somalis in the area of forensic science.
Finally, the bureau's Chancellor and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Abdirashid Shire (Somali American and Minnesotan as Representative Samakab) expresses his deep gratitude to the representative and the quality time he spent today at the bureau. We also expressed to the representative how the bureau is grateful for the US government - particularly @StateINL of the US Department of States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. The INL's support, among others, include the procurement of chemicals and consumables for the bureau - without which no scientific experiments are being carried out.
The staff @BureauForensics were extremely delighted to have received esteemed delegation on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at the bureau's headquarters in Garowe, Puntland, Somalia. The delegation were from @UNSomalia, @unicefsomalia, and colleagues from the High Commission of Canada in Kenya @CanHCKenya - also representing Somalia.
The staff from the bureau and members of the delegation had a productive discussion that touched upon crime scene response, forensic evidence collection, and the scientific work that takes place at the bureau's laboratory. The bureau's staff further elaborated that the bureau's forensic science services are for Puntland, member states of the Federal Government of Somalia, and Banadir.
The members of the delegation appreciated the bureau's forensic science work and left extremely encouraged by the bureau's dedication to serving all Somalis.
Huge congratulations to my mentor, @LewisRobertsMD on receiving the AGA Distinguished Service Award in DEI at #DDW2025! Your powerful speech, leadership, and unwavering commitment to equity continue to inspire so many of us. Truly honored to celebrate with you! #AGA#GITwitter
The Chancellor and Chief Scientific Officer of @BureauForensics Dr. Abdirashid Shire is also adding to this well deserved accolade of Dr. Lewis Roberts. Dr. Shire worked under the outstanding scientific leadership of Dr. @LewisRobertsMD between 2005 and 2013 at the world renowned institution of Mayo Clinic. Dr. Shire believes that his best years in scientific research were those with Dr. Roberts and from whom he learned the best science. Tons of congratulations Boss!!!
Alhamdulillah, I finished one of the tasks on my to-do list that I had been putting off. Thanks to Dr. Abdirashid for your long vision and making this research a reality on the ground @BureauForensics.