AMISOM Police Launches First Ever Community Policing Event In Kismayo

The port city of Kismayo held its first community policing event on Monday 29 February 2016, as part of efforts between Jubbaland Administration and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Police component, to involve the city’s residents in the management of security.

The community sensitization program was attended by Jubbaland Police Commissioner Colonel Gabobe Hassan Barre, the Deputy District Commissioner of Kismayo Mr. Abdi Ibrahim Abdi, senior AMISOM Police officers, members from the civil society and residents.

The community was urged to partner with the Somali Police force in reporting of criminal activities as well as sharing of information in order to make the initiative a success.

Speaking at the event, Jubbaland Police Commissioner, Colonel Gabobe Hassan Barre reminded the community that their cooperation is crucial for the success of crime reduction and prevention.

“We have had a successful community policing meeting where we discussed how the community and the security departments can cooperate. We have also discussed how sensitization training for the community can be accelerated,” said the Police Commissioner Colonel Barre.

“The programme we have had today is very important, because different people coming from different areas, such AMISOM Police, elders, women and youth, gathered here and discussed how the community can collaborate with the police,” added the Deputy Police Commissioner.

In his remarks, AMISOM Police Public Information Officer, Chief Inspector John Marete expressed optimism that the programme would excel in Kismayo. “We are here as part of our mandate which is institutional and individual capacity building of the SPF and also support them in forms of we undertake joint operations, especially where we have a Formed Police Units. So, we are here today because we want to preach community policing,” he stated.

Women’s involvement in community policing was acknowledged at the meeting. Jubbaland Women Group Association Chairperson, Ms. Sureer Mohamed Ali said women were a vital resource in keeping communities safe and secure.
“The program of community policing is very important and a necessity. We welcome such programs but we need as Jubbaland women to be given first consideration when implementing such programs,” she added.