By M.A. Egge
The Somaliland government has made it clear to the public that it will not blatantly misuse the power of the police force for flimsy or partisan reasons but that the police would work for the people and the nation as per the framework of the constitution.
The Minister of Internal Security of the Republic of Somaliland Abdalle Mohamed stated the fact as he presided over the change of guard at the police headquarters where the new police chief Brig Gen Abdirahman Abdillahi Hassan was taking over the helm from former chief Major General Mohamed Adan Saqadi Dabagale, who has since been appointed presidential advisor on police matters.
The minister made it clear that the state would not use the power of the police force in a way that violates the law but will considerately adhere to the law in every applicable decision.
He pledged in certain terms, “The government led by President Abdirahman Irro and I, as the Minister of Internal Affairs, promise you, fellow citizens, that we will not abuse the power of the police and that we will follow the law to the hilt. We promise you that”.
He acknowledged that the country’s police force is knowledgeable and has a high vision, and plays an important role in the country.
He described the former police chief as a good leader.
“I acknowledge that in the short time we have been here as the interior minister, the police force that I have seen led by Gen. Mohamed Aden Saqadi, is a highly knowledgeable, capable, visionary, and optimistic force that this nation can trust”, he said.
He commended them for their good work.
He pointed out that the laws of the lands by which the police work within are formulated by the legislature and that their job in the security sector is only to execute the regulations stipulated.