The Training for Peace Partnership (TfP) learnt with shock and deep sadness of the untimely death of Police Commissioner Christine Alalo who was, until her demise, the acting Police Commissioner of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and a great team player for the Police Strategic Support Group (PSSG) that has consistently been working with the TfP in enhancing police capacities in PSOs.

Police Commissioner Christine Alalo was among the passengers on board Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302 from Addis Ababa to Nairobi which crashed a few minutes after taking off on 10 March 2019.

Police Commissioner Alalo will be remembered for her progressive thinking, her vibrant energy, her positive outlook on life, as well as for her dedication, commitment and professionalism which is seen in her work with the AMISOM Police component since 2015 and within the PSSG framework. The Commissioner was an ardent advocate for the inclusion of women in Peace Support Operations . She spoke with inspiration on how women could effectively contribute to greater chances of securing sustainable peace in Somalia and elsewhere on the African continent, if only they were given equal opportunity to be able to prove their leadership mettle in this respect. She reasoned that discrimination against women based on culture and traditions was a mere façade to perpertuate exclusionary practices and stereotyping gender roles against women. That has no place in this modern era, she would counsel.

The TfP partnership extends its condolences to her beloved family and friends, to AMISOM, to the PSSG and to the Government and the people of the Republic of Uganda.

Her spirit and legacy lives on!

I was distrubed when my ‘good morning’ ritual to Commissioner Chritine Alalo was not responded to. At first I thought perhaps she had started lessons early since she had informed me that she was participating in a course in Italy. Still by the end of the day there was no response. That was not usual. Little did I know until I heard the tragic news of the plane crash that Christine was onboard and she is gone!

Commissioner Christine Alalo was a colleague, a friend, a dear sister whom I had come to know through our passionate and common quest to contribute that policing piece to other efforts for lasting peace, stability and sustainable development in Africa. She had that understanding, pleasant and humble personality, yet she was decidedly firm on the professional front. I will miss her though I draw solace in the knowledge that she has answered a Supreme Call and that she has left an indelible legacy for Africa. May Her Soul Rest in Eternal Peace!

— Crowd Chirenje (rtd) Police Commissioner, former Police Corrdinator, Peace Support Operations Division, AU Commission