Friday March 24, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) -The Somali Police Force arrested a police officer on Friday after a citizen complained of assault. According to reports, the officer assaulted a street vendor and threatened to shoot him with his rifle after the vendor refused to sell cigarettes during fasting hours. Although the details of the incident are scarce, the shopkeeper was not seriously injured and did not make any public comments.
Brigadier General Sulub Ahmed Firin, the commander of the Somali Police Force, has dismissed the unidentified officer. In a statement, the police command emphasized that the police force is responsible for upholding the law and serving the community. The statement also added that the officer is currently under arrest and will be held accountable for the alleged grave violations.
The officer is expected to appear before a military court in the coming weeks to face charges of assault. Citizens are encouraged to report complaints or security issues by calling the police department at 991.
Despite the fact that many parts of Somalia remain outside government control, the 2012 provisional constitution mandates that federal police, overseen by the civilian leadership in the Ministry of Internal Security, are responsible for law enforcement and maintaining order within the country.
A US government report on human rights in Somalia found serious issues, including credible reports of unlawful or arbitrary killings, torture, harsh and life-threatening prison conditions, and arbitrary arrest or detention. While some government officials have taken steps to prosecute and punish abusers, especially military and police personnel, impunity remains the norm.
