Members of the Somali security forces have undergone a six-day extensive training at the Benadir Joint Operations Center on how to ensure the country’s national elections.
Forty-five officers dawn from the Somali Police Force (SPF), the National Intelligence Service (NISA) and the Somali National Army (SNA) have received training on forensic investigation and intelligence protection.
The Commander of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Assistant Inspector General of Police, Augustine Magnus Kailie, said AMISOM, and other international partners are working together at the Joint Operations Center to maintain security, integrity and confidence in the electoral process of the Somali nation.
“Joint Operations Centers were established in line with the best international police-led intelligence procedures, especially in ensuring the transparency of the electoral process and the need to coordinate intelligence planning and analysis,” Said Police Chief Kailie.
The Director General of the Ministry of Interior and Federalism, Yusuf Ali Mohamed, said AMISOM’s support in Somalia has resulted in the establishment of 12 Joint Operations Centers across the country.
“In order for our elections to be free and fair, security is paramount. We can only hold elections when we are secure. This is why such trainings are important. In the end, it is in the interest of Somalis, ” Said Mr Yussuf.
AMISOM has previously provided security training to regional police forces, but has now begun providing training to all security forces.
