Samoa sends first team of UN Peacekeepers since COVID lockdown

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 19 MAY 2023: A 10 member team of Samoan police officers leaves today for training in Jarkarta, Indonesia before deployment under the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission. It is the first team sent for peace keeping duties since the borders reopened after the Covid-19 pandemic. The team consists of 2 females and 8 males.

Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo said the team was selected from various divisions of the ministry after undergoing an exam and will undergo a 3 weeks pre-deployment training at UNSSST in Jarkarta.

A team member, Inspector Sagapolutele Albert Matautia said he is excited about the mission and is looking forward to serve.

He said being selected in the team is an honour and an opportunity to serve Samoa and help develop his young family.

The Commissioner of Police, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo encouraged and wished the team well before their departure.

“You are Samoa’s ambassadors on this mission; this will be the opportunity to be part of a bigger goal, being deployed in UN peacekeeping missions and you must use the opportunity wisely,” said Auapaau.

The mission is for two years.