Baidoa, 22 February 2024 – The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has honoured Ghanaian Formed Police Unit (FPU) officers for their exceptional contribution to peacebuilding in Somalia.
The officers, having completed their tour of duty, were awarded medals in recognition of their service at two separate ceremonies held in Baidoa and Beletweyne.
ATMIS Police Commissioner (CP) Hillary Sao Kanu, presided over the ceremony in Baidoa and commended Ghanaian police officers for their selflessness and dedication in restoring peace and security in Somalia.
“We are here today to honour and appreciate the commitment and resilience of our gallant officers gathered here. You have done a lot and we will not take it for granted,” said CP Kanu.
CP Kanu also acknowledged the cooperation between ATMIS Ethiopian troops and the Somali Police Force (SPF) saying it had enabled ATMIS Police deliver on its mandate.
“We are here to support and give our best to our Somali Police Force brothers and the people of Somalia. We thank you all for your commitment,” CP Kanu added.
ATMIS Ethiopian troops Commander, Brig. Gen. Besfat Fent Tegegn, expressed appreciation for Ghana’s long-standing tradition of contributing to global peace, particularly on the African continent.
“The medals that you are awarded today symbolize the success and gallant completion of your one-year tour of duty. You have made the mission and your country proud,” said Brig. Gen. Tegegn.
In Beletweyne, ATMIS Police Operations and FPU Coordinator, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ahmed Lateef, praised Ghanaian police officers for their outstanding performance and support provided to Somali Security Forces (SSF).
“They have qualified and performed creditably well in all their duties that they have been asked to do,” said DCP Lateef.
CP Kanu also thanked the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) for providing crucial logistical support to ATMIS personnel, enabling them execute their duties.
This marks the third Ghanaian contingent to serve on the AU mission. Though based in Baidoa, the administrative capital of South West State, the unit also had a platoon of 33 police officers in Beletwayne, Hirshabelle State, providing operational support to Somali Security Forces.
Ghana is one of the six Police Contributing Countries to ATMIS, alongside, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda and Zambia.