By M.A. Egge
The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Mr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro inspected the headquarters of the Somaliland Police Force.
He was welcomed there by the Commander of the Police Force, Major General Mohamed Aden Saqadi (Dabagale) and top police commanders.
The President of Somaliland, who spoke to the top officers at the command, assured them that he would fulfill his promise to increase the salaries of the various forces in the country.
The promise was made by the President during the election campaigns, at which time he said that he would increase the salaries of the various forces in the country, as well as improve their quality.
He praised the efforts and sacrifices of the Somaliland Police Force, and emphasized the importance of the Police and its central role in society and the state.
He said, “The Police is one of the institutions that is the backbone of citizen security, and it is the organ that enforces the law and is a central nerve of the state”.
He hoped that going by the and there is a famous phrase of “The Police is a friend of the people”, the essence of the saying would be indeed a culture that would be embedded in the society.
“I hope that this culture will become part of the culture of the Police of the Republic of Somaliland”, he said.
He pointed out that he wanted on-hand briefs such that he would know what areas needed interventions and apraising.
The President once again made it clear that he would fulfill his commitment to the care and protection of the Police Force’s resources and their improvement, and said, “The government will fulfill the promise we made to change your lives, and to develop your knowledge and equipment, to increase your law enforcement capabilities and your modern surveillance and investigation capabilities”.
He added, “You will be part of the national security forces in the two-hundred-and-fifty-percent salary increase that the government will implement in its first term. You and your children will also receive free health care and education from the government. We will create a safe environment in which you can work with ease so that you cannot be harassed while performing your duties.”
The President continued his speech by underscoring, “In spite of this, accountability and the prevention of any abuse that may occur to citizens by the security forces is a must. We believe that the police force should be reformed to enhance the various skills of the police, which are essential for the peace and security of our society.”
The President also urged them to serve their communities as responsibly as possible and to maintain the safety and security of the public.
He made a similar visit to the military headquarters earlier on in the week.