MOGADISHU, Somalia – While the primary mandate of the Somali Police Force during yesterday’s historic local council elections was to maintain law and order, it was their acts of compassion that captured the hearts of the nation. As images and footage from the polling stations circulate, a different narrative has emerged—one not of strict enforcement, but of profound service and a deepening bond between the security forces and the public.
Emotional scenes witnessed across the capital depicted officers going to extraordinary lengths to assist the most vulnerable members of society. In several districts, residents reported that police vehicles, typically associated with patrols and operations, were repurposed as community shuttles. Testimonies from elderly voters and those with mobility challenges revealed that officers personally picked them up from their residences to ensure they could cast their votes, before driving them safely back home.
These gestures of care were visible at the polling centers as well. Video clips show uniformed officers carrying frail elders to the ballot boxes and pushing wheelchairs through the sandy terrain, treating each voter with dignity and patience. One resident, who received assistance, described the experience as a transformative moment for police-public relations. “I did not just see a soldier today; I saw a son helping his mother,” she remarked, highlighting the shift from a purely security-focused dynamic to one rooted in community support.
The viral images of officers holding the hands of the elderly and guiding the blind have resonated deeply with the Somali public. They illustrate a police force that sees itself as an integral part of the community it serves. This unexpected level of logistical and physical support ensured that no citizen was disenfranchised due to age or disability, reinforcing the inclusive nature of the election.
Security officials have noted that these actions were not just individual acts of kindness but part of a broader ethos of service instilled in the force. The seamless cooperation between the public and the police during yesterday’s vote suggests a new era of trust, where the uniform represents both safety and solidarity. As Mogadishu celebrates a peaceful election, the humanity displayed by its officers stands as a lasting memory of the day the city voted.
