News Agency of Nigeria
Tuesday July 3, 2018
The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) said it has intensified
training and mentoring of the Somali police officers to take over
security responsibilities during the transition process.
Christine Alalo, Acting AMISOM Police Commissioner, said the training
will be done in all the federal states to empower Somali police
officers to take charge of the country’s security.
“This training comes at the right time when we are talking about the transition.
“We must ensure that we have the right people who can deliver,” Alalo
said while closing a six-day in-mission training course on Sexual and
Gender Based Violence (SGBV).
“The right people who can bring out the information. The right people
who can guide the Somali police about professional policing,” she said
according to a statement released after the meeting.
The AU troops are expected to relinquish the
security of the key towns, to the Somali forces, through a
conditions-based transition plan, to allow them to take the lead
responsibility as part of the planned exit.
The move in is line with the UN Security Council resolution, passed
in August 2017, which authorized AMISOM to commence the transfer of
security responsibilities to the Somali national security forces.
Alalo called on the police officers to ensure the aim of establishing
a strong and professional police force in Somalia is realised.
The AU mission says it will support transition through the priority
tasks including securing main supply routes, securing key population
centres, to mentor and assist Somali security forces, both military and
police, in close collaboration with the UN.