AMISOM Hands Over A New Police Station To Somali Police Force

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Ambassador Francisco Madeira Yesterday handed over to the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) a newly constructed police station at the Aden Abdulle Airport in Mogadishu.

The police station, constructed by AMISOM with funding from the Turkish Government, is part of an elaborate plan aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity of the Somali Police Force (SPF).

Built at a cost of $332,111, the new police station replaces the forty-year-old structure which used to serve the Airport.

The fully furnished and equipped building was handed over to the Deputy Minister of Internal Security, Abdi Nasri Mohamed Ali, at a ceremony attended by the AMISOM Police Commissioner, Anand Pillay, and his Somali counterpart, Maj. General Mohamed Sheikh Hassan Hamud, together with other senior AMISOM and Somali police and military officers.

In his remarks, Ambassador Francisco Madeira stated that the construction of the police station will help bolster security at the Airport. In the recent past, Aden Abdulle Airport has become one of the important points of entry in the country.

“Like other airports across the world, this Airport presents a potential target for terrorists… This Airport Police Station is therefore expected to provide a wide range of law enforcement duties,” Ambassador Francisco Madeira noted.

He reiterated that AMISOM remains committed to assisting the people of Somalia achieve lasting peace, security and stability, adding that the Mission will continue working with the Federal Government to ensure the country becomes a society where physical integrity, human life and rule of law are observed.

Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, the Deputy Minister of Internal Security, Abdi Nasri Mohamed Ali, hailed AMISOM and the international community for the sacrifices made and continued support towards rebuilding Somalia.

AMISOM Police Commissioner, Anand Pillay, described the handover ceremony as an historic event that demonstrates a collective effort and resolve and restore peace and stability in Somalia.

“Having a professional policing capability at the Airport will create the feeling of safety and security of the locals and visitors entering Somalia” AMISOM Police Commissioner Anand Pillay said.

Somali Police Force Commissioner, Maj. General Mohamed Sheikh Hassan Hamud, also thanked AMISOM for its continuous support, noting that the new police station will greatly benefit the Somali people.

The completion of the Airport Police Station is part of an ongoing police construction and rehabilitation project being undertaken by AMISOM to enable the SPF assume full responsibility in maintaining law and order in the country. Apart from providing security in the country, AMISOM has also been implementing quick impact projects aimed at improving the lives of Somalis who have suffered decades of war.