Baidoa, 12 February 2025 – Sixty police officers serving with the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) have completed a five-day intensive training in Baidoa, South West State, on child protection and welfare in armed conflict.
Participants, drawn from the Ghana Formed Police Unit (FPU) and Individual Police Officers (IPOs) from Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Zambia, were trained on various topics, including children’s rights, preventing sexual exploitation, protecting civilians, and addressing gender-based violence.
The sessions also covered the African Union Compliance and Accountability Framework, as well as gender mainstreaming in African Union Peace and Support Operations.
The training, jointly organised by AUSSOM’s Protection, Human Rights and Gender Cluster (PHRG), and the Office of the Civilian Sector Coordinator, aims to enhance the officers’ knowledge and skills in upholding the rights of vulnerable groups.
AUSSOM Senior Protection and Human Rights Officer, Gloria Jaase, emphasised the vital role of training police officers on human rights and civilian protection to fulfil the Mission’s mandate of stabilizing Somalia.
“The primary role of police in peacekeeping operations is to protect civilians, particularly the rights and welfare of children. Therefore, police officers must receive proper training to prevent the killing and maiming of vulnerable children,” said Ms Jaase.
“Throughout this training, the officers demonstrated a high level of conduct and discipline. With their technical contributions and active participation, we are confident that they can fulfill their mandate.”
AUSSOM Senior Civil Affairs Officer, Fadil Karar, encouraged the officers to apply the knowledge gained to enhance human rights in their areas of responsibility.
“The participants were engaged and actively contributed through group work and presentation. We believe that they now have a deeper understanding of the subject and are prepared to deliver the mandate as stipulated,” said Karar, who also serves as Civilian Coordinator for Sector 3.
Ghana Formed Police Unit (FPU) Contingent Commander, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Benjamin Dokurugu, expressed optimism that the participants will apply the acquired skills and knowledge to effectively carry out the AUSSOM mandate.
Participants said the training has expanded their understanding of human rights and promised to uphold the rights of vulnerable groups in their peacekeeping duties.
“This training has provided in-depth knowledge that will help me achieve my mission objectives in Somalia and will also be valuable once I complete my tour of duty,” said Superintendent of Police (SP) Gifty Essel-Dadzie, the Ghana FPU Logistical and Public Information Officer.
Fredrick Okeyo, an IPO from Kenya, noted that the program will enhance the officers’ ability to effectively advise and mentor Somali Police Force (SPF) officers.
“Our contributions aim to mentor the Somali Police Force to meet international standards. Over time, we have witnessed significant improvements, especially in handling children and other vulnerable individuals,” said Okeyo. “This training has been extremely beneficial, deepening our understanding of child and civilian protection.”
The training aligns with AUSSOM’s mandate, as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2767 (2024), which emphasises compliance with civilian protection, Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law.
