AMISOM appeals to AU member states to contribute more police officers

AMISOM Police to commence training police recruits in Federal member states

AMISOM Police lauds SPF for securing Mogadishu during Ramadhan

AMISOM Police completes registration of regional forces in Jubbaland and Galmudug

Somalia marks 55th Africa Day with pomp and colour

AMISOM trains Somali Police officers on communication skills

AMISOM Police officers undergo training on human rights

AMISOM Police supports the Somali Police Force to Secure University Entry Examinations in Somalia

AMISOM hands over fully refurbished police station to the Somali Police Force

AU delegation visits Somalia to evaluate impact of social projects on communities

Federal Government unveils support programme for Somalia’s New Policing Model

Somali Police officers trained on community policing

AMISOM conducts in-mission training for AUPOL officers

AMISOM Police conduct fingerprint course for police officers in federal states

Inside This Issue

Message from the Acting Police Commissioner I welcome you all to this edition of the AMISOM Police Newsletter for the second quarter of 2018.

It has been a busy period for AMISOM Police as it continues to develop capacity of the Somali Police to enable it discharge its duties of maintaining law and order effectively in line with the Somalia transition plan, National Security Architecture and the new Policing Model.

During the second quarter, AMISOM Police officers and our Somali counterparts managed to secure the major towns during the holy month of Ramadan, through a well-coordinated effort, ensuring residents observed the period peacefully. Plans by Al-Shabaab militants to cause death and destruction were thwarted by the hard working officers. The improved security was proof that Somali Police was slowly but steadily taking charge of the country’s security.

In addition, AMISOM Police also participated in the joint AU-UN review process, where a number of issues pertaining to the transition plan were discussed. AMISOM Police was also involved in the Operational Readiness Assessment (ORA) for the Regional forces and pro-government groups in Jubbaland to gauge their capability and preparedness in maintaining the country’s security. A similar exercise will also be conducted in South West and other federal member states.

Our focus remains building the individual and institutional capacity of the Somali Police forces and one of the programmes we concentrated on during the quarter was specialized training mainly criminal investigation, VIP protection, Media and Public relations, Junior management among others. We intend to intensify such trainings in the federal member states, in the second half of the year, to ensure Somali security forces have the necessary skills needed to restore peace and security.

To this end, I wish to thank AMISOM Police officers for their hard work and dedication in contributing to Somalia’s stabilization process.

Thank you and happy reading!

Christine Alalo

I wish to thank AMISOM Police officers for their hard work and dedication in contributing the

country’s stabilization process.

Christine Alalo

Police Newsletter - Second Quarter 2018 Edition

AMISOMPOLICEA P R - J U N 2 0 1 8

newsletter

AMISOM Police beef up security during Somalia Independence Day celebrationsAMISOM Police supported the Somali Police forces in maintaining security during the Somalia Independence Day celebrations held in Banaadir Region and other federal member state capitals. In Mogadishu, the colorful event was presided over by the Somali President Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo and attended by senior officials of the Federal Government.

Uganda Formed Police Unit completes one year tour of duty in SomaliaOfficers from the Uganda Formed Police Unit were feted with certificates and AU medals after a successful completion of their tour of duty in Somalia. The 160 officers were stationed in the towns of Mogadishu and Baidoa. The officers were praised for their selfless contribution and dedication to country’s peace and stabilization process.

AMISOM and UNSOS officials inspect Aljazeera II camp in preparation for relocation from stadium camp AMISOM and UNSOS officials inspected Aljazeera II camp in preparation for the relocation of AMISOM forces from the stadium camp in accordance with the transition plan. The camp is to be upgraded to international standards to accommodate both military and the Formed Police Unit (FPU).

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AMISOM Police introduces the first ever TV and radio talk show program for SPF on community policingAMISOM Police and SPF have launched the first ever TV and radio talk show that will help educate the public on policing services and maintaining law and order. It will also give the SPF officers the opportunity to interact with the citizens and other stakeholders. The program will be aired on SNTV. SPF Public Relations Officer Col. Khasim Roobley represented the Police Commissioner, Gen. Mohamed Bashir, during the launch.

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SPF launches community policing campaign “Know your Police”The SPF Police Commissioner, Gen. Mohamed Bashir, launched a community policing campaign dubbed ‘get to know your police’ (Baro Booliskaaga). The campaign is aimed at mobilizing residents to support the SPF to combat crime and violence in the country. AMISOM Police reiterated its commitment to support SPF in engaging with the community. A series of activities are planned to be conducted in Mogadishu and in the sectors.

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AMISOM Police Gender Unit launches adult literacy programme for female SPF officers in KismayoThe AMISOM Police have launched an adult literacy programme for female Somali Police officers in Jubbaland. The programme is to enhance their ability to profile, communicate and investigate SGBV cases. The SPF female Police officers have expressed great enthusiasm to learn and acquire new skills from their AMISOM Police counterparts.

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AMISOM Police to focus on SPF peer mentorship programmeAMISOM Police Operations Unit has stepped up efforts to promote the SPF Peer mentorship program in all the sectors. The objective of the program is to train and empower selected SPF officers to enable them mentor their fellow officers. AMISOM Police mentors supervise their SPF counterparts as they train and educate their peers on different issues of critical importance. The programme is intended to develop capacity of the local officers and improve their preparedness to take over security responsibilities of the country.

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AMISOM Police donate reflector jackets to Jubbaland Police ForceAMISOM Police donated reflector jackets to Jubbaland traffic police officers to help improve visibility during the night. The jackets were handed over to the Deputy Commander of Central Police Station, Kismayo, Major Omar Hassan by AMISOM’s Team Site Leader, Senior Superintendent, Lazarus Ndlovu. Jubbaland Police thanked AMISOM describing the donation as a good gesture aimed at promoting cooperation between AMISOM Police and SPF.

AMISOM Police constructs Dalxhis Police Station in Kismayo AMISOM Police officers assess the progress of the ongoing construction of Dalxhis Police Station in Kismayo. The construction has been made possible with the funding from the Danish government and is expected to be a major boost in the capacitation of Jubbaland State Police Force in bringing policing services nearer to the community, particularly the IDP camps of Hilal, Tawakal, Hamoi and others, that are home to over 2000 residents.

AMISOM Police officers visit an IDP camp in MogadishuAMISOM Police Gender and Public Information officers visited a temporary settlement for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) that emerged near the Mission’s Aljazeera II camp in Mogadishu. The visit by the police followed reports that some IDPs had died due to the deplorable conditions in the camp. AMISOM and the Federal Government of Somalia are working together to improve conditions at the IDP camp. The IDPs were displaced by Al-Shabaab militants in the Lower Shabelle region.

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The Acting AMISOM Police Commissioner, Christine Alalo, is appealing to African Union member states to deploy more police officers to address the shortage of personnel at the Mission.

Last year, the UN Security Council authorized AMISOM to deploy an extra 500 officers to help meet its expanded duties and prepare Somali Police Force (SPF) for the handover of security responsibility during the transition period.

Of the 500 additional police officers, authorized by the UN Security Council, only 180 have so far been deployed to the Mission, almost a year since the increment was sanctioned, leaving a deficit of 320.

The Acting Police Commissioner noted that though steps had been taken to implement the resolution, the Mission was still facing challenges getting extra FPU personnel.

“We have been gradually implementing that aspect of the resolution and to date we have deployed an additional 180 personnel, leaving us with an outstanding number of 320, an equivalent of two (2) FPUs. We are therefore appealing to the AU members states to help us in this regard,” Ms. Alalo explained in an interview.

However, Ms. Alalo expressed optimism that the challenge will be resolved, adding that Djibouti had offered to deploy a Formed Police Unit (FPU) of 160 police officers to reduce the deficit.

An assessment of the country’s equipment and personnel will first be done by AU headquarters, before a final authorization is granted.

Apart from Djibouti, AMISOM will still need to identify another country willing to take up the remaining deficit of 160 FPU officers to complete the process.

The extra 500 officers are expected to increase the number of police officers serving under AMISOM to 1040 from the initial 540.

The aim of bringing on board extra personnel is to help prepare the Somali Police for the gradual handover of responsibilities to Somali security forces.

In April this year, Sierra Leone deployed a Formed Police Unit (FPU), comprising 160 police officers in the mission, while Uganda and Nigeria, reinforced their FPUs, leaving a balance of 320.

Prior to the arrival of the Sierra Leone contingent, AMISOM Police had only had two FPUs, namely from Uganda and Nigeria, all based in Mogadishu.

AMISOM appeals to AU member states to contribute more police officers

AMISOM Police lauds SPF for securing Mogadishu during RamadhanSomali Police Force (SPF) and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) security officers managed to secure the major towns which were under threat of terrorist attacks during the holy month of Ramadan.

Despite a few incidents of petty crimes and targeted assassinations, the holy month was generally calm, with no major terrorist attack experienced.

“I think this has been one of the most successful holy months ever witnessed in Mogadishu in the last 5 to 6 years. We saw the Somalis taking the lead. The SPF, the Mogadishu Stabilization

Force and the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) all came together. AMISOM only provided the support,” Acting Police Commissioner, Christine Alalo said.

Ms. Alalo noted that unlike in the past, SPF took the lead in providing security to the residents, a pointer that AMISOM’s effort to establish a force capable of maintaining security had begun to bear fruit.

Joint security teams conducted day and night patrols and protected vital installations, allowing members of public to go about their activities peacefully.

Under the Mogadishu plan, the Somali National Army (SNA) and NISA were assigned to secure the outer security ring of the city, while the SPF and AMISOM Police took care of the internal security, denying criminals, especially the Al-Shabaab, the freedom to move and cause destruction.

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AMISOM Police plans to commence training of police recruits in HirShabelle this month to help establish a strong federal police force in the regional state.

The Acting AMISOM Police Commissioner, Christine Alalo, noted that preparations for the commencement of the training programme are in the final stages, following the completion of the construction of the training facility.

“We are progressing very well. We have already built the training facility with the support of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS),” Ms. Alalo stated.

The Acting AMISOM Police Commissioner however noted that vetting of recruits will first be conducted before the actual training commences.

“If the training does not start on that date, we should at least be able to do the selection and vetting of the recruits,” she said.

Once the training is completed, HirShabelle will be the third state that AMISOM Police has helped establish a capable police force, after Jubbaland and South West states.

The training is part of the transition plan, which requires AMISOM to prepare Somali national security institutions to take over the country’s security once AMISOM exits.

AMISOM Police is also conducting Operational Readiness Assessment (ORA) of the Regional force in federal member states level, at the request of the federal government and federal member states.

The ORA will establish among others, the number of Darwish fighters in each federal member state, their levels of training, their equipment, command structure and who pays their salaries or stipends. The group currently fighting terrorist groups.

“We are going to conduct this (ORA) in all the states which have the local militia,” Ms. Alalo explained adding that AMISOM Police has concluded the exercise in Galmuduug state and is in the process of completing another in Jubbaland state.

“We now want to move to South West state and then thereafter we shall move to either Puntland or HirShabelle states,” Ms. Alalo explained.

AMISOM Police to commence training police recruits in Federal member states

AMISOM Police completes registration of regional forces in Jubbaland and Galmudug AMISOM Police, the Federal government and state authorities of Jubbaland and Galmudug have successfully completed the registration of regional forces operating in their regions.

A total of 5,754 fighters from Jubbaland and 5,715 fighters from Galmudug were registered. The objective of the registration exercise to help integrate the pro-government groups into the Somali national security forces as envisaged in the security pact endorsed by the country’s top leadership.

With support from UNSOM and UNDP, the ORA exercise is currently ongoing in Southwest State and will be extended to HirShabelle and Puntland.

Top ensure that programme proceeds smoothly, AMISOM Police trained government officials in the respective states to assist in the exercise, following a formal request made by the Federal Government to the AU Mission.

The ORA exercise is in line with provisions stipulated in the Somali National Security Architecture document and the transition plan that require full assessment and determination of the preparedness of Somali national security forces to secure the country ahead of the gradual transfer of security responsibilities from AMISOM to the local forces.

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AMISOM Police participated in a colourful ceremony held to mark Africa Day in May at the AMISOM headquarters in Mogadishu.

During the event, glowing tribute was paid to the founding fathers of the Organization of African Unity, the precursor of the African Union.

The chief guest was the Secretary of the Federal Parliament’s Defence Committee, Mr. Sadiq Hirsi Warfa who reiterated Somalia’s commitment to fighting corruption, in line with the AU’s efforts to rid the continent of the vice.

The African Union Assembly declared 2018 as the ‘African Anti-Corruption Year’ under the theme – ‘Winning the fight against corruption: A sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation’.

The AU Deputy Special Representative for Somalia, Simon Mulongo, read the African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat’s speech, in which he enumerated achievements made by the continental body in improving the quality of life in member countries.

In his speech, Mahamat cautioned against pervasive corruption and challenged African leaders to demonstrate deliberate action against the vice.

Mr. Mulongo stated that AMISOM had already started transitioning the security responsibility to the Somali security forces in line with the UN Security Council Resolution passed last year.

AU Day is marked annually, to commemorate the creation of the Organization of African Unity - the precursor of the African Union, 55 years ago.

Somalia marks 55th Africa Day with pomp and colour

The Secretary of Somalia’s Parliamentary Defense Committee, Sadiq Hirsi Warfa, speaks at an Africa Day celebration held at the AMISOM headquarters in

Mogadishu, on 25 May 2018.

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AMISOM trains Somali Police officers on communication skillsA one-week training to enhance communication skills of the Somali Police officers was held in the capital, Mogadishu, in May.

The training, organized by the police component of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), was attended by officers drawn from Mogadishu and the five federal member states.

It sought to strengthen relations between security officers and the public and help Somali Police establish communication departments, within the force, in all the federal member states.

Addressing participants, Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia, Simon Mulongo, described the training as timely,

adding that the skills learned would help improve cooperation between officers and the public on security matters.

“As part of your work as a police officer in this country, you need to have skills, knowledge and capabilities to make people know what the police force in Somalia stands for and you can do this by speaking out,” the DSRCC said, adding that the training was part of the transition plan.

Speaking at the same function, the Acting AMISOM Police Commissioner, Christine Alalo, noted that the workshop, the first of its kind, was part of a series of specialized training AMISOM Police had been conducting for the SPF.

“This training is special because we are setting the ground for the transition and for us to be able to succeed, we need Somalis who can report what is happening on the ground,” Ms. Alalo noted.

AMISOM Police supports the Somali Police Force to Secure University Entry Examinations in Somalia

The AMISOM Police supported the Somali Police Force (SPF) to secure the unified University entry examinations conducted across Somalia in May.

The ensured that the Unified National Examinations for University entry were successfully concluded in most secondary schools across Somalia, without any disruptions.

A total of 27, 000 students registered for the examinations this year, representing an increase of 4000, compared to previous year.

The examinations were re-introduced in 2015, after a 25-year lull, due disruptions caused by war and anarchy.

Secondary students in Galmudug, South West, HirShabelle and Jubbaland states, and Benadir region sat for the examinations in more than 120 designated centers across the country.

The police component of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the SPF secured examination centres in the capital, Mogadishu and in Baidoa, the administrative capital of South West state.

“We were requested by the Somali Police Force to assist in providing security in the examination centers. We have been working closely with the SPF in securing this area (examination center) and deployed both inside and outside the area,” Philip Mukasa, the AMISOM Police Public Information Officer explained.

Tresphord Kasale, the AMISOM Police Coordinator for Southwest state noted that the joint exercise was part of efforts aimed at building the capacity of the Somali Police.

“We are here to ensure that we mentor and advise them on how to go about securing exam centers, when providing security to students who are writing exams” Kasale said.

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A delegation from the African Union (AU) headquarters, in June, undertook a three-day assessment tour of AU funded community projects in the country.

The team evaluated Quick Impact Projects (QUIPs) in the Mogadishu and Kismayo to ascertain their impact on households. Among the projects assessed included refurbished and newly constructed police stations, health centres and water projects.

“We came to evaluate whether the Caterpillar Police Station has improved the working conditions of the police in Jubbaland; whether it has enhanced the maintenance of law and order to local communities and also whether it has increased access to justice for women, children and the general community,” said AU official, Mike Bugason, in Kismayo.

Since its renovation, last May, Caterpillar Police Station has seen an increase of cases reported by the community. At least 80-criminal cases have been conclusively investigated by Jubbaland Police through the facility.

“The existence of the police station has improved the security situation in this area and served the community well. The level of crime has gone down and the public is able to access the station to report crime,” said Abdinasir Mohamed Shire, a resident of

Alanley village. His sentiments were echoed by the station’s Commander Mohamed Ahmed Ali.

“The station has been effective in preventing crime and maintaining law and order,” said Ali, who emphasized the importance of involving local communities in fighting crime.

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) formally handed over a fully refurbished and equipped police station in the capital’s Kaaraan district, to the Somali Police Force in May.

With support from the Danish government, the refubrishment of the Police Station lasted four (4) weeks and will serve residents of Kaaraan district and its environs.

“The renovation of this police station is part of AMISOM’s Quick Impact Projects, aimed at providing speedy service delivery to the people,” Maxwel Chikunguru, AMISOM Police Restructuring and Development Coordinator said in his remarks, during the handover ceremony.

Benadir Police Commander General Ahmed Hassan Malin thanked AMISOM for its continued support to the Somali Police Force.

“AMISOM Police has played a crucial role in renovating Kaaraan Police Station. We are grateful for the assistance. Now, we have a place where our police teams can work and coordinate activities,” stated General Malin.

The renovation of the police station was done by AMISOM Police and the AU Mission’s Civil Affairs Unit, with funding from the Japanese government.

“Building a strong police institution in Somalia especially in this period where AMISOM is preparing for transition requires a comprehensive approach with clear, realistic and achievable objectives pegged by the goodwill of all our stakeholders,” noted Mr. Chikunguru.

Christopher Ogwang Aria, AMISOM’s Civil Affairs Officer said the police station would be vital for keeping law and order in Kaaraan district and expressed AMISOM’s willingness to support the rehabilitation of more police stations across the country.

AMISOM hands over fully refurbished police station to the Somali Police Force

AU delegation visits Somalia to evaluate impact of social projects on communities

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A Joint Policing Programme (JPP) that supports the two-tier policing structure and sets the next stage in the development of strong national and state-level police services was unveiled early June by the Federal Government of Somalia in close cooperation with the federal member states and international partners.

The programme will be introduced in five federal member states, the Benadir region and to the future Federal Police to support the implementation of priority police projects, as outlined in the Federal and State Police plans and the country’s National Security Architecture that was endorsed by Somalia’s political leaders in April last year.

Spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Internal Security, the programme is also expected to expedite the ongoing transition of security responsibilities from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to Somalia’s security forces.

“The structure demonstrates the best way to coordinate policing so that we form an effective policing system in Somalia,” said the Federal Minister of Internal Security, Mohamed Abukar Islow Duale.

Building on the dividends of the Joint Rule of Law Programme, the JPP will oversee the procurement of equipment, recruitment and in-service training; the payment of stipends for personnel and the development of a legal framework and accountability; and construction projects for federal and state-level police.

“It is essential to have a police that is responsible for their actions, based on the core universal principles of legality, necessity, professionalism and responsibility,” said Gen. Bashir Abdi Mohamed, the Somali Police Force Commissioner.

The programme has already received commitments from the United Kingdom and the European Union to donate $42 million while Germany is promising additional pledges.

Somali Police officers trained on community policingA three-day workshop organized by African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to foster strong working relations between police officers and community members was conducted in June in Baidoa, the administrative capital of South West state.

The workshop aimed to enhance collaboration between the police and local residents through community policing to help promote peace and security in neighborhoods.

Speaking at the end of the workshop, AMISOM Police Reform, Restructuring and Development Advisor, Offor Joseph Emeka, noted the seminar educated police officers and residents on the importance of community policing in maintaining of law and order in the region.

“Community policing is the technique that every country in the world has embraced as the best way to get the people policed and to provide security and safety for the people in the community,” Mr. Emeka explained. Forty officers representing both the federal and state police attended the workshop.

He noted that Somalia, which is emerging from decades of war, stands to benefit enormously from the system and urged residents to embrace it, saying community policing has been implemented in many countries and proved to be successful.

The workshop agreed on a document, which will help streamline the functions of the police and its relations with the public.

Mohamed Ali Tabit, a youth leader who participated in the meeting, stressed the importance of nurturing a cordial working relationship between the police and community members in fighting crime and promoting peace and reconciliation.

Federal Government unveils support programme for Somalia’s New Policing Model

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AMISOM conducts in-mission training for AUPOL officersAMISOM Police is conducting a series of trainings for its officers to refresh them on zero tolerance to sexual exploitation and abuse (SAE) and enhance their knowledge on crimes against women and children.

The programme, which commenced last May, has so far trained more than 130 Formed Police Unit (FPU) personnel and Individual Police Officers (IPOs) stationed in various parts of the country. The officers will share the knowledge acquired with their Somali counterparts to improve their skills on how to effectively tackle the vice which is still common in the country.

After more than a decade of conflict, SGBV cases in Somalia remain high and are generally viewed as a normal occurrence in war. It is expected the programme will help rally both the security officers and members of the public to fight the vice and ensure the rights of women and children are protected.

The training programme is hinged on the UN Security Council Resolution 2106 (2013) which aims to encourage nations to join together in tackling the problem of sexual violence in armed conflict.

A Somlai Police officer on a training session on public speaking skills during the SPF public relations training

An ongoing AMISOM sponsored construction of Dalxish police station in Kismayo

AMISOM police and SPF officers on gurad during Somalia’s Independence day celebrations

A Somali woman adorned with Somalia’s national colours celebrates Somalia’s 58th Independence Day.

Africa Day celebration held by the African Union Mission in Somalia at their headquarters in Mogadishu, Somalia, on 25 May 2018

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AMISOM Police conducted a 10-day basic training course on forensic fingerprint for Somali security officers in three federal states to enhance their investigative skills.

The training was attended by 45 police officers from HirShabelle, Jubbaland and South West states.

The participants were taken through a number of topics which included importance of fingerprint in criminal investigation, fingerprint taking, latent print recovery from different surfaces, fingerprint classification and how to analyze samples.

A pilot project was set up in Jubbaland to help officers apply what they have learned in training. The objective of the training is to help the Federal Government build a Central Criminal Registry (CCR).

The AMISOM Training and Development Department plans to conduct a series of trainings for the Somali Police Force (SPF) and Somali State Police Forces (SSPF) on forensic ballistics, digital forensics, tool mark and DNA profiling among others.

AMISOM Police conduct fingerprint course for police officers in federal states