Mogadishu, 1 June 2026 – The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and Somali Police Force (SPF) concluded a 10-day Training of Trainers course on Human Rights in policing for 30 officers at General Kahiye Police Academy in Mogadishu.
Funded by the Government of Japan, the training covered Human Rights standards in arrests, investigations, detention, and public order management. Officers also gained skills to train fellow SPF personnel in the course conducted by the AUSSOM Police Training and Development Department and SPF’s Directorate of Training and Planning.
At the closing ceremony on Monday, AUSSOM Police Coordinator, ACP Dr Samuel Asiedu Okanta, said the training aimed to enhance the capacity of Somali police personnel to support peacebuilding and stabilisation efforts.
“SPF participants are now skilled trainers who can design and deliver training, facilitate adult learning, manage classrooms and evaluate learning outcomes. These skills will enable them to become competent trainers capable of building the capacity of other officers throughout the country,” said ACP Dr Okanta.
SPF Director of Planning, Training and Development, Lt. Col. Ahmed Nur Geedi Ahmed, urged trainees to apply the skills acquired during their policing duties and transfer them to their counterparts.
“You have been teachers, but learning doesn’t end. You have learned modern skills, teaching methods, and the use of new technology. I am sure the skills you learned here will be transferred to other Somalia Police Force personnel,” said Lt. Col. Ahmed.
General Kahiye Police Academy Deputy Commandant, Col. Mire Ahmed Matan, appealed to participants to fulfil their patriotic duties and use the new acquired skills to serve Somalia.
“Everyone must make the first choice to serve their country as the main priority. You can only do that when you learn, have patience, and correct the mistakes made,” he said.
Human rights, the police ethical code of conduct, International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law, and the use of force were among the topics covered during the training. The trainees also handled practical policing scenarios requiring adherence to human rights.
On behalf of the participants, Lt. Abdirahman Ali said that the training will improve their performance.
“We studied several lessons, including how to manage classrooms, lesson planning and familiarisation with teaching aids, and facilitating adult learning. It was a great opportunity for us as Somali police trainers,” he confirmed.
2nd Lt. Halima Abdulle, one of the five female participants, confirmed that they had acquired more knowledge to be shared with other police counterparts.
“We have gained more knowledge and skills that I will be able to transfer through sharing with my fellow police officers. I have gained skills that I didn’t have before,” she said.
