Thursday November 7, 2019
SNA soldiers complete training at British-supported training centre in Baidoa from AMISOM Public Information on Vimeo.
BAIDOA (HOL) - One hundred and thirty-four Somalia soldiers passed out Wednesday after a two months training in the UK funded military academy in Baidoa.
The soldiers drawn from the 60th division of the Somali National Army graduated from the training facility in South West capital Baidoa.
The UK embassy in Somalia said in a statement, the soldiers, a full company, acquired skills in field-craft, leadership, human rights, first-aid treatment, patrolling and the delivery of defensive operations.
The UK ambassador to Somalia Ben Fender praised the soldiers for completing the training and reiterated his country’s commitment to rebuilding Somalia’s security forces.
“Congratulations to you all on successfully completing this important training. We hope the new skills you have learnt will be of great benefit to you as you join other men and women on the frontline to support long-term security in Somalia,” Ambassador Fender said.
“The UK is committed to helping build the capacity of the Somali National Army and Somali Police Force so that you will eventually be able to assume full responsibility for the nation’s security.”
South West state president Abdiazia Hassan Laftagareen implored upon the soldiers to utilised the skills well and train fellow soldiers.
“I urge all of you to work hard and protect our country, please implement the lessons you have learnt during the training and pass on the knowledge to your colleagues. I would also like to thank the UK government for providing support to the Somali people,” the South West leader said.
According to the statement, the UK has trained over 900 Somali soldiers since 2017 in areas such as medical skills, leadership development, equipment care, logistics and the rule of law.