Mogadishu (SD) – The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has appointed 23 officers to support the Somali Police Force and take responsibility for the conduct of both the Federal Parliament and the Presidential Elections.

AMISOM Police Commissioner Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Augustine Magnus Kailie addressed the officers and urged them to make further efforts to fulfill their mandate.

“You are here to perform certain duties – that is, providing security for meetings, guarding government installations, providing escort duties to Individual Police Officers, providing VIP escorts, and a host of others,” said AIGP Kailie.

Adding “You are here at a crucial moment. We as peacekeepers will depend on you to secure electoral materials, electoral centres, and other duties you are expected to perform.”

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) announced its readiness to participate in securing of the venues for both Houses of Parliament and the Presidential Elections.

“I will carry out my duty effectively by protecting women and children in this forthcoming election in Somalia, and I pray that it will be a successful one.” Said Inspector of Police Veronica Williams, from the Nigerian FPU contingent.

AMISOM officials attended security meetings regarding polling stations and other meetings with Federal Government officials responsible for securing cities that will host elections.