AMISOM trains South West State police on securing elections

BAIDOA, Somalia, Oct, 8 (AMISOM) – The police component of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has concluded a six day long election security training course for Somali security forces in Baidoa, South West State of Somalia, to enhance their capacity to secure the electoral process.

The training was attended by 20 participants, including four females, from the South West State Police including officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Somali National Army (SNA). The course was held at the premises of the Ministry of Internal Security of the South West State of Somalia.

The training was intended to equip the Somali police with the requisite knowledge and skills in securing elections. Trainees were taken through public order management, patrols, gender perspective in election management, human rights, the role of security agencies in election security, and Somali national election security policy among others.

South West State Minister of Internal Security, Isak Subug, who presided over the closing of the course said the training was timely and needed.

“For the last [few] days AMISOM has been providing election security training to the police, Somalia National Army and the CID departments. The training was successful and the officers have learnt a lot like how to secure elections as well as taking care of security after elections,” Minister Subug said.

Speaking during the closing of the training on Thursday, the Acting AMISOM Coordinating Officer Superintendent of Police, Bisong Ejue, said the course was essential for the Somali police to advance their understanding of election security.

“We are into a period of election and this course has explained all the roles of everybody as far as the election is concerned. In fact, it is a preparatory training towards the election and to make sure that the election that is coming forward will be handled with every amount of seriousness,” SP Ejue said.

Deputy Chairperson of the South West State Electoral Commission, Nurdin Ibrahim, expressed satisfaction at the training saying it would help various election stakeholders to collaborate resulting in a smooth process.

“During an election, the first priority is election security. If security is not ensured, it will pose a huge challenge. Training officers from various security agencies on how we can collaborate to secure the election will impact the smooth run of the election; it will mean a lot for us. It will make the job easier, and the election will take place peacefully,” said Nurdin.

AMISOM in collaboration with the Somali Police Force (SPF) are tasked with providing security during elections and to ensure safety of election materials and officials both at the federal and state levels to ensure free, fair and credible elections.