Mogadishu – The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) today commenced a five-day community policing training workshop for 50 SPF personnel, including Community Safety Volunteers.
This workshop is a continuation of a training programme funded by the Government of Japan in 2024, which benefited 150 SPF personnel and Community Safety Volunteers within Banaadir District.
At the opening ceremony, AUSSOM Police Commissioner AIG Hillary Sao Kanu, represented by AUSSOM Police Coordinator ACP Dr. Samuel Asiedu Okanta, noted that “the event marks more than the beginning of a training programme; it represents a renewed commitment to building a professional, accountable, and community-oriented Somalia Police Force that serves and protects its people with integrity and trust.”
He reaffirmed AUSSOM’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s journey towards peace, stability, and self-reliance.
“Security is most effective when it is people-centred. Community policing is therefore not just a strategy; it is a necessity. It is about listening to communities, engaging local leaders, preventing crime before it occurs, and protecting the most vulnerable,” ACP Okanta said.
He added that while traditional policing methods such as patrols, escorts, guard duties, and investigations are largely reactive, community policing, on the other hand, offers a proactive approach by fostering closer relationships between police and the public.
Head of the SPF Planning and Training Directorate, Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed, urged participants to take full advantage of the training and apply the knowledge within their neighbourhoods.
“It is important to understand this new community policing strategy and become Trainers of Trainers. If you do not understand it, you will not be able to share the knowledge. Listen carefully, pay attention to the training, and apply what you learn,” he said.
Participants welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism about improving cooperation and crime prevention.
Somali police officer Lt. Mohamed Hussein Baadi said stronger collaboration with communities will enhance early detection and help address crime.
“Information sharing between police and the public improves trust. If that happens, crime is reduced because we can stop it early. We really needed this training to learn how to improve coordination,” Lt. Baadi said.
Salma Abdi Hassan, a civilian participant, highlighted the importance of community involvement, particularly the role of women in peacebuilding. “When communities work with the police, crime can be prevented before it happens. We all have a responsibility to report and address insecurity. I should not just be a spectator,” Salma said.
The training underscores AUSSOM’s continued support to the Somali Police Force in strengthening institutional capacity, fostering community trust, and advancing lasting peace and security in Somalia.