Community Policing and Human Rights observance to take precedence in Somalia’s Police Force

Monday May 6, 2019

The Somali Police Force is redefining its policing priorities as it strengthens its law enforcement capabilities.

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At least 25-top police commanders have been trained on Human Rights observance and Community Policing, to better manage crime and improve their engagement with populations under their areas of jurisdiction.

“Our duties include protecting lives and property. It entails observance of human rights which yields better understanding between the populations and the police,” Gen. Bashir Abdi Mohamed, the Somali Police Commissioner explained yesterday, at the end of the week-long course, which took place at the General Kahiye Police Academy in Mogadishu.

The participants who learnt how to enhance partnerships with local communities and the role of community participation in crime prevention, were also familiarized with the International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law, as well as the code of conduct for law enforcement officers.

“A police officer cannot do it alone. You have to work with your community to help you detect and prevent crime,” said Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Esther Mary Kaintor, the AMISOM Police Deputy Training Coordinator.

AMISOM Police organized the training, as part of their capacity building initiatives to develop skills of Somali police officers and prepare them for the eventual takeover of policing and security responsibilities in the Horn of Africa country.

“Our knowledge base has greatly improved,” noted Major Abdifatah Bashir Ali, the Police Commander of Waliyow Adde Section. “We will impart what we have learnt to our colleagues”.

The trainees were also taken through refresher training, on the roles and responsibilities of station commanders.

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