16 June 2026, Mogadishu – The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) has successfully provided seamless movement control and logistical support during the rotation of Ghanaian police personnel, ensuring critical operational continuity for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The incoming contingent, Ghana Formed Police Unit 5 (FPU-5) comprising 160 officers, officially took over duties from the outgoing FPU-4, also with 160 personnel. The departing unit returns to Ghana after a successful tour of duty focused on boosting the institutional capacity of the Somali Police Force (SPF) through joint patrols, specialised training, and mentorship initiatives.
Managing the complex movement of personnel and cargo across a fluid mission footprint falls squarely on UNSOS Movements Section.
For this rotation, Movements Section oversaw passenger processing, aviation security screening, manifest verification, baggage handling, cargo palletization, and aircraft loading operations to ensure a smooth transition between the incoming and outgoing contingents.
Seth Tsikata, the UNSOS MOVCON Rotation Unit Supervisor, underscored the scale of the logistical responsibility during the transition.
“Prior to the rotation of Ghana FPU, a 16-member advance party was deployed to the mission 2 weeks ahead of the main body to ensure a smooth transition between the outgoing and incoming contingent. During each rotation a total of 160 police personnel is transported by air in and out of the mission and approximately 14,000 kilogrammes of baggage is lifted both ways” said Tsikata.
Following arrival procedures, the incoming officers were processed and deployed to their duty stations in Baidoa, Beledweyne and Mogadishu, ensuring continuity of policing support activities conducted under AUSSOM.
Beyond facilitating rotations, UNSOS provides the critical logistical backbone that enables AUSSOM personnel to carry out their mandate across Somalia. This support includes transportation, engineering, medical services, communications, life-support services, and the provision and maintenance of essential equipment.
AUSSOM Police Coordinator, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dr. Samuel Asiedu Okanta, outlined the core objectives awaiting the FPU-5 troops.
“Basically, the police mandate in AUSSOM is to first support the SPF to maintain public order and ensure safety of the community and general security. That is basically the main one, and they (Ghana Formed Police Unit – 5) will be supporting the SPF to ensure that,” said Okanta, who is also acting AUSSOM Police Commissioner.
Reflecting on the unit’s tour of duty, outgoing contingent commander, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Benjamin Dokorugu, praised the role played by UNSOS in sustaining operational effectiveness throughout the deployment.
“UNSOS was very instrumental to our success; they were actually our backbone. There were instances where we needed equipment on the waitlist - we had almost everything, but there are certain times equipment breaks down, and you need to fix it quickly. We called on UNSOS, and they were always ready to support us logistically to keep our operations going. We never had an equipment breakdown where they did not step in to assist. Without the assistance of UNSOS, we would have had a very tough time,” said Dokorugu.
Incoming Contingent Commander, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Samuel Annan, also acknowledged the contribution of UNSOS in supporting mission operations.
“We are very much grateful and appreciative for all the efforts, assistance and the help the UN is giving to the mission to actually execute its mandate,” said Annan.
Through its Movement Control and broader logistical support functions, UNSOS continues to enable the timely deployment, sustainment and rotation of AUSSOM personnel, helping ensure uninterrupted mission operations and support for peace and security efforts across Somalia.
