Caaqil News - The Puntland State Government has taken a major step forward in strengthening its security forces, particularly the police force, by initiating the second phase of the Joint Police Programme (JPP). The initiative was led by the Deputy Minister of Security & DDR, Mr. Ahmed Mahmoud Ahmed (Qaxiye), accompanied by the State Minister of Security, Mr. Kayse Abdi Yusuf, and the Director General of the Ministry, Mr. Mahmoud Hassan (Cawil Mataan), who jointly chaired a key meeting focused on accelerating the implementation of this new phase.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Security headquarters in Garowe, brought together top officials from the Ministry, senior police commanders, and international partners, including the Deputy Commander of the Puntland Police Force, Brigadier General Caydiid Ahmed Nur, as well as representatives from UNDP, ATMIS, and JPP leadership.
The JPP Project: Objectives and Vision
The Joint Police Programme (JPP) is a comprehensive project jointly implemented by the Puntland Government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and international donors. The initiative aims to strengthen the capabilities of the police force to deliver a modern, accountable, and community-responsive security service.
Phase one of the JPP project successfully introduced structural reforms, renovated police stations, provided critical equipment, and boosted the skills of officers. Phase two, now underway, will focus on strengthening community-police relations, increasing the participation of women in law enforcement, and enhancing institutional management and accountability.
The Meeting: Strategy and Collaboration
During the meeting, several key topics were discussed and agreed upon, including:
1. Launching Phase Two of the JPP Project: Stakeholders agreed to commence the next phase using a performance-based and inclusive approach.
2. Enhancing Community-Police Interaction: Emphasis was placed on the need for a more people-centered policing strategy that fosters mutual trust and cooperation.
3. Promoting Women's Participation in Policing: Officials highlighted the importance of gender inclusion within the police force to reflect broader societal values and increase operational effectiveness.
4. Strengthening UNDP and ATMIS Collaboration: Development partners reaffirmed their commitment to the project and praised Puntland’s proactive approach to police reform.
The Head of the JPP Project in Puntland emphasized that the region stands as a model for successful implementation, demonstrating what is possible through genuine cooperation between local government and international stakeholders.
UNDP’s representative in Puntland also noted that the JPP initiative could potentially serve as a blueprint for police reform across Somalia if phase two succeeds.
Community Engagement and Women's Inclusion
A key theme throughout the discussions was the importance of involving women in the police force. State Minister of Security, Mr. Kayse Abdi Yusuf, reiterated that the Puntland Government is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for women in security roles.
“Women play a vital role in community stabilization. Including them in the police force will enhance trust, improve service delivery, and reflect our collective commitment to gender equality,” he said.
The meeting also recommended launching community awareness campaigns to promote stronger civilian-police relationships and to counter perceptions of fear and mistrust.
Government Commitment to Police Reform
The Ministry of Security underscored its full commitment to advancing the police sector as a cornerstone of public service and societal stability. Deputy Minister Ahmed Mahmoud Qaxiye, who opened the session, stated that the JPP project presents a golden opportunity to develop a more effective, responsive, and accountable police force.
According to the Deputy Minister, the second phase will prioritize:
- Upgrading police infrastructure and stations
- Enhancing officer training and capacity
- Developing internal accountability mechanisms
- Integrating digital tools for modern policing
“This project is for the people of Puntland. A police force that is trusted and serves the community with fairness and justice is essential for progress, and we are determined to achieve that goal,” said Qaxiye.
UNDP and ATMIS Pledge Continued Support
Representatives from UNDP and ATMIS expressed appreciation for the leadership shown by Puntland’s Ministry of Security and reiterated their ongoing support for the JPP project. They emphasized the need for transparency, financial accountability, and outcome-oriented planning as the project enters its critical second phase.
- These partners committed to:
- Providing technical support and guidance
- Monitoring implementation progress
- Supporting performance measurement systems
- Facilitating resource mobilization for sustainability
They also acknowledged the importance of localized solutions and urged the Puntland authorities to maintain strong oversight to ensure maximum impact.
Conclusion: Building Trust, Enhancing Security
The JPP project in Puntland reflects a bold and coordinated approach to security sector reform. By investing in police modernization, increasing public trust, and promoting inclusive policing practices, Puntland is paving the way for sustainable peace and development.
The success of this phase could serve as a model for other regional administrations in Somalia, inspiring a nationwide approach to building professional, community-focused police services.
With determined leadership, international cooperation, and active public participation, Puntland’s police force is poised to become a key pillar of security and justice—offering the people of Puntland the safety, dignity, and service they deserve.
