Sunday September 30, 2018
MOGADISHU, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Mission in Somalia
(AMISOM) on Friday awarded 30 police officers deployed in Somalia to
boost stabilization efforts for their distinguished service.
The Individual Police Officers (IP0s) from Kenya, Zambia, Uganda and
Sierra Leone, deployed under the AU mission, will leave the Horn of
Africa country over the weekend after a year-long tour of duty.
Christine Alalo, AMISOM Acting Police Commissioner, in a statement
stressed the crucial role IPOs play in transforming the Somali Police
into a formidable force, capable of carrying out professional policing
activities.
"You came to Somalia specifically to help build the capacity of the
country, a country that we all know is coming out of war. It needs the
support of African brothers and sisters," said Alalo.
The officers, who performed specialized roles, were decorated with
medals in Mogadishu in recognition of their outstanding performance and
contribution to Somalia's stabilization.
IP0s are deployed in Somalia to train, mentor, and advise the Somali Police Force on day-to-day operations, said AMISOM.
The officers also co-locate and work hand-in-hand with their Somali
counterparts, at various police stations in Mogadishu and the regional
states, it added.
The AU mission urged the officers to use the experience and knowledge
they have gained in Somalia, to the benefit of their countries.