Mogadishu – In Somalia’s evolving security landscape, building a capable, trusted and community-focused police service is vital for long-term stability. Among those leading this effort is Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dr Samuel Asiedu Okanta. His work within the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is helping shape a more confident and self-reliant Somali Police Force (SPF).
As AUSSOM Police Coordinator, ACP Okanta leads efforts to strengthen the capacity of SPF officers, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and professionalism required to serve their communities effectively. His role has grown even more critical following the transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to AUSSOM, which saw a reduction in AU police personnel and a consolidation of responsibilities.
At the core of AUSSOM’s support is training, which is practical, context-driven and tailored to Somalia’s realities. From leadership and management courses for senior officers to scenario-based exercises for frontline personnel, the programmes are designed to enhance operational, tactical and strategic capabilities. Human rights, protection of civilians, police station management, crime investigation and community policing form key pillars of the curriculum.
“Through the knowledge and skills we support reinforcing, our Somali Police Force partners are delivering more and better, interacting and communicating more efficiently with the communities and more responsive to issues that are brought to their attention,” ACP Okanta said.
For him, effective policing begins with trust. He noted that the emphasis on community-centred approaches helped to bridge the gap between officers and the public, an essential step in a country recovering from years of insecurity.
“The local context makes it unique in terms of training and brings better deliverables and ensures community safety and security,” ACP Okanta said.
He added: “If you gain public trust, you can provide a more effective service. And when you do that, it ensures community safety, good partnership and better police service. It brings policing to the doorsteps of the people.”
A key feature of the programme is its collaborative approach. AUSSOM works closely with SPF leadership to identify priorities, design training and deliver solutions that reflect local needs.
“AUSSOM and SPF sit, plan and implement every programme together under SPF leadership as it is a Somali-led peace process,” ACP Okanta said.
This emphasis on Somali-led solutions is increasingly evident during capacity-building. SPF officers who once benefited from AUSSOM Training of Trainers programmes are now leading sessions for other colleagues.
“What we are delivering has a cascading effect. We are seeing an improved Somali-led training system. Local instructors are stepping forward,” he said.
Community policing remains a cornerstone of this approach, encouraging collaboration between citizens and law enforcement to ensure SPF is better positioned to prevent crime, stabilise post-conflict areas and restore order. Information-sharing between communities and security agencies has already contributed to safer neighbourhoods and a reduction in crime.
According to ACP Okanta, AU Police have trained nearly 1,480 police officers and community safety volunteers through approximately 65 courses conducted in Mogadishu and across the Federal Member States (FMS).
Supported by international partners such as the Government of Japan, AUSSOM continues to invest in community policing as a pathway to sustainable peace.