African Union Mission trains Somali police to combat crime, extremism

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has completed a month-long training program for over 100 Somali police officers, aimed at enhancing their skills to address crime and violent extremism in local communities.

The joint training with the Somali Police Force (SPF) focused on community policing and is part of a series of sessions to boost the force’s capacity to maintain peace and security in populated centers and newly liberated areas.

“I am confident that the police and community volunteers will enhance their collaboration and improve their partnership to detect, prevent and combat crime within our communities,” said Deputy Head of ATMIS Siyuvile Bam.

ATMIS and the Somali government are committed to training and equipping the Somali police force to counter violent extremism, Bam emphasized.

Since January, ATMIS Police and SPF have conducted 18 capacity-building training programs across Somalia, benefiting 352 police officers, according to ATMIS Police Commissioner Hillary Sao Kanu.

“We need to work together to build a future where peace and security are the cornerstones of our society,” Kanu said.

ATMIS Police is mandated to provide specialized training, advice, mentoring, and operational support to Somali police forces.