Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General Ambassador Augustine P. Mahiga, today discounted allegations made in the media by Daher Ahmed Farah of the Djiboutian opposition, that Somali police trainees in Djibouti had a hand in suppressing protestors in a recent demonstration there. The police trainees are sponsored by the United Nations with Japanese Funding, with several of the trainers from the African Union.
“Djibouti is hosting the training and its Government has consistently demonstrated its commitment to support international efforts to promote peace and stability in Somalia and the region.
“Moreover, the Government of Djibouti has been a long-time supporter of Somalia and the Somali people and has had a key role in the peace process from its inception. Most recently, the Government of Djibouti has been providing training of Somali police personnel,” Ambassador Mahiga said.
Ambassador Mahiga refuted the false allegations made by Daher Ahmed Farah, calling them baseless. He said that the Somali police trainees have not even completed their training before they return to Mogadishu next month.
“The Somali police recruits are there strictly to receive training and have not been in any way involved in the domestic affairs of the Republic of Djibouti. This is the principled position of the United Nations.”
UN Special Representative for Somalia discounts allegations against Somali police recruits in Djibouti
Published: February 25, 2011
