Mogadishu, (SONNA) – The new Police Commissioner of the African Union
Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Hillary Sao Kanu, has concluded a three-day
visit to Jubaland, HirShabelle and Southwest to acquaint herself with the on-going
police programs in the federal member states.
“It is a great opportunity for me to meet with my police officers and see what they
are doing, the activities they are engaged in, and also identify some of the
challenges they face,” the ATMIS Police Commissioner said.
This is Kanu’s first visit to the federal member states since assuming office early this
month.
The Police Commissioner held several meetings with senior ATMIS officials based in
the administrative capitals of Kismayo, Baidoa and Jowhar, where matters of security
and welfare of police officers were discussed.
She urged police officers to remain steadfast in the implementation of the Mission’s
mandate, which includes building the capacity of the Somali Police Force through
training, mentoring and provision of operational support.
“We are here to bring peace to Somalia. We are also here to ensure Somali Police
officers are able to stand on their own and execute their duties effectively,” she
noted, adding that ATMIS is keen on helping the Federal Government of Somalia
(FGS) establish a professional police force capable of protecting civilians and
maintaining law and order.
“I appeal that we all focus on effective training so that we can meet the mandate of
ATMIS Police,” said Kanu who holds the rank Commissioner of Police (CP).
CP Kanu hailed the officers for their commitment and urged them to discharge their
duties selflessly and with dedication.
“The reason for our coming here is to ensure that there is peace, and that is what
we have to concentrate on. We can only manage by working together with all the
components of ATMIS,” CP Kanu noted.
The Acting Coordinator of ATMIS Police in Hirshabelle, Marafa Manu, hailed the
visit, saying it had boosted the morale of police officers in the sector.
“This visit gave us more confidence to perform our duties effectively. We will continue
to work hard to achieve the mandate of ATMIS,” said Manu, a Superintendent of
Police (SP) by rank.
The Police Commissioner was accompanied by the new ATMIS Police Operations
and FPU Coordinator, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Ahmed Lateef and
the ATMIS Police Training and Development Coordinator, ACP Asiedu Okanta
Samuel
ATMIS police component comprises Individual Police Officers (IPOs) and Formed
Police Units deployed in the Federal Member States, to help build the capacity of the
Somali Police Force, ensure the rule of law and support community policing
initiatives.
