Baidoa, 21 June 2026 – The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has concluded a week-long induction programme for the newly deployed Ghana Formed Police Unit (FPU) in Baidoa, South West State of Somalia.
The training aimed to acquaint the AUSSOM police personnel with the mission mandate, standard operating procedures and understanding the local context in which they will perform their duties.
Conducted by the AUSSOM Police Training and Induction Unit, the six-day programme also equipped the officers with skills to support the Somali Police Force (SPF) through capacity building, and mentorship.
“The training is for operational readiness, so that they can carry out their mandate professionally and effectively and help Somalia attain sustainable peace,” said the lead trainer, DSP Mohamed Kabia, during the closing ceremony on Sunday.
DSP Kabia noted that the training is a mandatory requirement for all officers before deployment and is intended to prepare them for the realities of the mission.
“We trained them on several topics including human rights, knowledge of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), the conflict in Somalia, culture, the do’s and don’ts of operating within the mission”, he added.
Speaking at the end of the training, the Ghana FPU Contingent commander, CSP Samuel Entsuah-Annan, described the programme as highly beneficial and expressed confidence that the officers are well prepared to carry out their duties effectively.
“The training has boosted our morale and confidence. Now we know all the do’s and don’ts, the legalities, the culture, and everything about the mission that we have been acquainted with for us to perform better,” said CSP Entsuah-Annan.
The orientation course covered various topics, including gender awareness, sexual exploitation and abuse, human rights and IED awareness, diversity, core functions, AU police and environmental hygiene.
One of the participants, ASP Mayrose Agbenyezi, thanked AUSSOM for providing the officers with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully accomplish their mandate.
“The training has helped us gain a lot of knowledge; it has given us more awareness in relation to the AU-UN code of conduct, best practices of professionalism, integrity, respect for cultural diversity and many other important topics,” she noted.
DSP Uchechukwu Opara, who facilitated the training, said the programme serves as a critical follow-up to the pre-deployment training and helps ensure officers are fully prepared for their mission.
“My message for them is to be good ambassadors for their country. As trainers, we expect them to do better, as we have provided the best induction exercise for them to discharge their duties lawfully and professionally,” he noted.
The Ghana Formed Police Unit contingent deployed to Somalia last week to support the Somali Police Force (SPF) through joint operations, specialised training and mentorship aimed at strengthening policing capabilities.
The police personnel will serve in AUSSOM in the areas of Mogadishu, Baidoa and Beledweyne.