KISMAYO, Somalia, August 9, 2021 – The Police component of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has concluded a five day training of trainers (ToT) course, for 15 Jubaland Police officers in Kismayo, Jubaland State of Somalia, to empower the police to effectively secure the ongoing elections.
During the training, the participants were taken through election security management, election guidelines, rules and responsibilities of security forces in elections, guidelines for security arrangement for women, the election legal framework, election violence and conflict, and maintenance of public order and crowd control.
It is expected that the participants will be able to transfer the knowledge and skills gained during the training onto their jobs.
Lead trainer Superintendent, Edward Kebbie Sesay of AMISOM Police, said the training equipped the Somali police with skills that will help them execute their duties professionally.
“The course is designed to equip the Somali Police Force, station commanders with the requisite skills, knowledge, attitude to efficiently manage and transfer skills, knowledge and attitude,” Spt. Kebbie said.
Present at the closing ceremony was the Jubaland Police Commander, Gen. Mohamed Abdi Sheikh.
The AMISOM Police Coordinating Officer in Jubaland, Chief Superintendent (CSP) Awe Oladipupo explained that the objective of the training was to mentor the police so that they acquire the necessary skills to manage the security of the elections.
“The purpose and the objective of this five day course is to equip the Jubaland Police Force with knowledge, skill and understanding in handling the management of elections, before, during and after the national elections,” CSP Oladipupo added.
Colonel Jama Ahmed Hassan, the Spokesman of the Jubaland Police Force said the skills gained by the officers will be useful in creating a peaceful atmosphere during the elections, which is crucial for the success of the electoral process.
“The training was beneficial as it focused on how the police will keep law and order especially during this period where Somalia is holding elections for the Senate and House of the People,” Col. Jama explained.
He added, “The training has prepared the officers on how to enforce security, order, protocol and the procedures of the elections. The five day workshop concluded well and we hope the participants will make use of the training, to serve the people and pass the skills they gained to their colleagues.”
Ibyan Gure Mohamud, one of the Jubaland Police officers who participated in the training, said she benefited immensely from the training, especially with regard to election security management.
“We have gained a lot of knowledge on how to conduct security measures during election period and how to effectively maintain social distance to avoid spread of Covid 19 and maintenance of public order and crowd control techniques” said Ibyan.
AMISOM and the Somali Police Force are tasked with securing the ongoing elections in Somalia, with the Somali Police taking the lead, while AMISOM Police plays a supporting role.
