Officers from the Puntland State Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and officials from the Puntland Attorney General’s Office and the Office of Human Rights Defender, have this month taken part in a key EU workshop on corruption investigation techniques, which took place in Garowe.
The workshop was facilitated by police and legal experts from the EU Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP Somalia) as part of a series of anti-corruption trainings. It covered investigation techniques, legislative areas, and also how to raise awareness of corruption and its consequences.
Puntland’s Deputy Police Commissioner Aydiid Ahmed Nuur, speaking during the opening ceremony for the event, said corruption affects everyone in society.
“Corruption eats at the social fabric of Somalia. It is a priority for the Puntland police that corruption and bribery be investigated and prosecuted according to the law,” he said.
The workshop also looked at how to collect evidence in corruption related crimes, as well as how to investigate money laundering, and included a presentation on the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). A session on corruption and bribery in Islamic Law and Penal Code was also delivered by EUCAP Somalia Legal Adviser, Ahmed Mohamud Hassan.
EUCAP Somalia Senior Police Advisor, Simon O’Connor, said the workshop aimed to create a dynamic learning environment based on shared experiences.
“We emphasised interactivity and shared knowledge through round tables, case studies, discussions and group work. Enabling the participants to apply the knowledge gained from the workshop to their professional, everyday working lives, with maximum practical relevance, was a priority,” Mr. O’Connor said.
The Head of Puntland Police CID, Colonel Abdi Maneeno, said the training was vital for the institutions attending.
“This workshop covered a large area, looking at it from different angles, whether it is from the side of the CID or the Attorney General. Both internationally and in Somalia, corruption is a disaster which devastates both population and property,” he said.
The workshop was closed by Puntland Deputy Attorney General, Mohamed Farah Hareed, who said he hoped the information gained would be used to serve the Somali public.
“Workshops such as this one are necessary for ongoing capacity development in Puntland,” Mr. Hareed said.
