The AMISOM Police component conducted the 10-day training in Baidoa, ahead of the parliamentary and presidential elections. Under the Somali-led Transition Plan, the AMISOM police personnel train, mentor and advise their Somali police counterparts and support ongoing stabilisation efforts.

The AMISOM Police Coordinating Officer in Southwest State, SSP Sylvester Kabaso said, "The course aimed to ensure that participants gain knowledge and insights to enable them to discharge their duties. They have to be proactive.”

The Bay Regional Police Commander, Col. Amin Mohamed Osman, who graced the closing ceremony on Monday, noted that the training would enable the Somali force to provide adequate protection for elected leaders.

"As the sensitive election period draws near, they (the police) were taught how to treat and protect the different sections of the community for whom they are responsible. We welcome the important training,” said Col. Amin.

An AMISOM police trainer, ASP Saccoh Kabbie, noted that the training included aspects of community policing, given that the police work closely with communities.

"When you protect an individual, especially a VIP, you are creating leaders for the country. If leaders are protected, we will have people run the affairs of the State,” ASP Kabbie explained.

One of the trainees, Abdullahi Ali Amin, said he had benefited immensely from the training and was ready to protect the leaders and community.

"We have gained important skills, and we are grateful to the trainers from AMISOM,” Abdullahi stated.

- AMISOM -