Mogadishu, Somalia – The Banadir Regional Police Command has emphatically declared its absolute neutrality and operational readiness to secure the nation’s democratic processes, sending a clear message to the public and political stakeholders alike. In a strategic address to police officers following the conclusion of specialized training on election security and human rights, the Commander of the Banadir Regional Police, Colonel Mahdi Omar Mumin, outlined the strict code of conduct that security forces must adhere to during the electoral season.
Colonel Mumin stressed that the primary mandate of the Somali Police Force is to uphold the rule of law without bias or prejudice. Addressing the officers, he underscored that the police serve the nation as a whole, not specific political interests, and must remain the trusted guardians of public safety during the heightened political activity.
“All political parties competing in the country’s elections are equal to us,” Colonel Mumin stated firmly. “As the police, we carry the heavy responsibility of the public’s trust. It is not for the security forces to determine who wins or loses; that is the sole right of the voters. Our duty is to ensure a safe environment where that choice can be made freely.”
The Commander warned against any involvement in partisan politics by uniformed officers, noting that such actions would constitute a betrayal of their oath to the nation. He highlighted that in a democratic contest, emotions can run high, but the security apparatus must remain the stabilizing force, treating every candidate, party member, and voter with equal respect and protection under the law.
During his address, Colonel Mumin also issued a stern caution regarding public order. He urged political actors and their supporters to express their views peacefully and to utilize legal channels for any grievances rather than inciting instability.
“Elections are a competition for service, not a platform for chaos,” the Commander noted. “We will not tolerate any actions that threaten the security of the capital or the safety of the citizens. The police are prepared to deal with any security breaches strictly according to the law.”
The Commander’s speech comes as part of a broader initiative to professionalize the police force and enhance their capacity to manage complex security scenarios. The training received by the officers focused heavily on:
Human Rights Compliance: Ensuring that the rights of voters and candidates are respected during security operations.
Crowd Control: Managing rallies and polling stations professionally.
Electoral Integrity: Preventing interference in the voting process.
Concluding his remarks, Colonel Mahdi Omar Mumin reiterated the ultimate goal of the security forces: facilitating a peaceful, transparent, and credible election where every Somali citizen feels safe to exercise their constitutional right.
He called upon the public to collaborate with the police, emphasizing that security is a shared responsibility. “We are the sons and daughters of this public, and we hold their trust. We must validate that trust by delivering an election period defined by peace, order, and justice,” he concluded.
