This archive report was first published on 28 December 2019.
On Friday, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) honored 19 police officers from Nigeria and Sierra Leone for their contributions to ongoing international efforts to restore peace and security in Somalia. The officers, eight from Nigeria and 11 from Sierra Leone, completed a year of service with AMISOM and are set to return to their home countries.
At a ceremony presided over by AMISOM Police Commissioner, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Augustine Magnus Kailie, the officers were awarded African Union service medals and certificates.
According to AIGP Kailie, the officers were commended for training and mentoring their Somali police counterparts in preparation for an envisaged AMISOM exit when the Somali security forces will assume responsibility for the country's security.
Speaking at the ceremony, AIGP Kailie said, 'It is not what you acquire in the world that makes people remember you. It's the hearts that you touch, the people you assisted, they will ever remain thinking of you.'
He also urged the officers to use the experience attained while with AMISOM and to be ambassadors of Somalia, telling the world that the country is enjoying relative peace.
On behalf of the officers, Chief Superintendent of Police Esther Mary Kaintor from Sierra Leone saluted her colleagues for their dedication to restoring peace in Somalia.
She said, 'We have served and have gained valuable experiences, which we shall share back home. For that, we are grateful.'
