Somaliland: UK and UNDP to equip Police Force

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – The ongoing strengthening of the national police force has made it possible for the country to sustain security.

This was said by the interior minister Hon Mohamed Nuur Arale Duur during a briefing to the standing committee of the Guurti, the upper house of parliament where he also revealed that the police force will receive necessary tools from the British government and UNDP.

Hon. Duur told the elders that the police force has seen an increase in the number of officers who possess diverse skills like firefighting, first aid, investigation, bomb disposal and anti-terrorism tactics that emanate from continuous training of new recruits as well as refresher courses for those already in the service.

The interior minister revealed that the ministry has finalized drafting a police act that will be submitted to parliament after approval by the council of ministers. He said that the draft act once approved will provide clear guidelines on the mandate of the force, chain of command as well as operational guidelines.

He told the elders that the interior ministry is further exploring avenues that will distinguish the coast guard which falls under the police chain of command but undertakes duties outside the mandate of the force.

As per the security situation in the country the elders were informed that disputes that have threatened to spiral out of control in Sanaag region have been solved amicably. He said that the reconciliation teams established by his ministry have finalized all negotiations and what remains to wrap up the whole saga is the payment and exchange of blood money, thus compensate for the dead as per local customary laws.