The Sierra Leone Police Contingent working with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have received Medals and Certificates for their excellent performance and extraordinary display of professionalism in the ongoing AU/UN transition process in Somalia.
The Sierra Leone Police Contingent is the fourth batch of police personnel from Sierra Leone into Somalia in the ongoing transition process who have been in the country for over a year now performing various duties to keep the peace and security of the Somali people.
It is expected that the next contingent of Sierra Leone Police will be landing in Somalia next month before the withdrawal of the current SLP contingent.
The Contingent Commander, Chief Superintendent Police (CSP) Mohamed Kugba Allieu said it was his distinct honour and privilege to welcome the people to Jubaland State – Kismayo; to grace the SLFP-4 Medal Parade.
He said: “Our strength has been 160 as required at the time of our deployment (1st April 2022). During our duty tour, we got a shortfall of two personnel by natural deaths (1 male and 1 female). The deceased male personnel, Auto Mechanic Engineer, who passed off a week after our deployment was replaced based on the critical role, he was to perform in the mission ground.
“One female personnel repatriated based on medical grounds while one male personnel exited the mission prior to our end of duty tour with an excuse of ill-health. Our current strength is 157 (124 male and 33 female).
“Under the ATMIS Police mandate which we all know, the contingent, (SLFPU-4) has been doing its best, for which I am pretty sure that all my colleagues seated here shared with me certain burning passion, unwavering commitment, and an exceptional sense of urgency to effectively tackle our mandate in our areas of responsibility.
“I want to thank Almighty God for blessing, guiding and giving me and my team wisdom, commitment and capacity to work here in fulfilment of the assigned duty. It has been most eventful and professionally rewarding months of assignment which was full of challenges and moment of happiness.
“I must confess that we are going home with rich experience of working with a diverse group of accomplished international professionals who nurtured, trained, and mentored us in the dispense of our duties throughout”.
Deputy Sector Commander, Colonel Tesfaye said the gathering is to celebrate and recognise the exceptional service and dedication of the Sierra Leone Formed Police Unit SLFPU during the 18 months deployment in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia.
He said the occasion does not only mark the successful completion of their tour of duty but also highlights the immense progress they have made in advancing and sustaining peace and security as well as support to non-kinetic activities to Jubaland.
Colonel Tesfaye: “Your efforts in Somalia – Jubaland State have not gone unnoticed. Through your unwavering commitment and tireless work, you have helped to establish peace and stability in the regions that have long suffered from the scourge of violence from Al-Shabab terrorist and other violent groups”.
The African Union Transition Mission (ATMIS) Police Commissioner, Hillary Sao Kanu said the gathering is to celebrate our brothers and sisters who have contributed immensely to the peace of the Somali people.
She said the day also serves to reflect on the dedicated servers from our contingent and appreciate for a job well done, adding that there is no success without struggle and therefore thank colleague police officers for the courage and professionalism executed.
She said some of the duties performed by ATMIS Police Officers include but not limited to escort and protection of humanitarian bodies and Individual police officers and vulnerable community people that need protection among others.
She also gave accolades to the family members for letting loved ones to undertake such tasks for the benefit and protection of humanity.
