Friday January 5, 2024
MOGADISHU (Xinhua) -- The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has wrapped up training for the Somali Police Force (SPF) officers to improve their skills in tackling violent extremism and acts of terrorism in communities.
The Training of Trainers course aimed at enhancing knowledge, and skills and improving the attitude of the SPF regarding community policing, the ATMIS said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, Wednesday evening.
ATMIS Police Commissioner Hillary Sao Kanu, who closed the training, reiterated ATMIS's commitment to supporting the enhancement of police capabilities, enabling them to assume security responsibilities ahead of the AU Mission's exit from Somalia in December.
"I want you to use these skills as a yardstick when you go out to fight al-Shabab militants and other criminals because community policing is all about inclusivity, cohesion, and working together to combat crime," Kanu said.
During the week-long training, which is part of a series of initiatives organized by the ATMIS Police Component, participants were taken through the role of police and media in community policing, the legal framework of policing in Somalia, community safety volunteers, and introduction to intelligence gathering, among other topics.
Osman Abdullahi Mohammed, SPF deputy police commissioner, said the training would contribute to the improved efficiency of policing services and commended ATMIS for its support in boosting the police force's capabilities.
"The training will help improve the efficiency of police services in the community as well as bolster cooperation between the police and the community," Mohammed said.
ATMIS Police Training and Development Coordinator Samuel Asiedu Okanta stressed the significance of community policing in complementing traditional methods, such as patrols and guard duties, in preventing violent crime.
"We believe that community policing, if well implemented, will help reduce radicalism and prevent acts of terrorism because persons involved in violent extremism activities are in the communities," Okanta said.
The ATMIS Police Component is mandated to train and mentor the SPF to enable them to assume security responsibilities once ATMIS exits Somalia at the end of December.
ATMIS police have successfully trained 1,101 SPF officers across the country, including 193 female officers, since the beginning of 2023.