Wednesday January 27, 2021
MOGADISHU (HOL) - The UK has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Somalia’s stability and security following a visit to the country by its Defense Minister Ben Wallace.
The Minister met with President Mohamed Farmaajo where he assured of his country’s support in building the Somali security forces.
“Earlier today I met with President Farmaajo to reiterate the UK’s enduring commitment to Somalia and its people,” Secretary Wallace said.
Noting that the UK had trained close to 2000 Somali troops to combat Al-Shabaab, Wallace said joint partnership with Somalia was key to ‘laying the foundation for long term stability in the region.’
“The UK has trained over 1,750 officers and soldiers on various military courses at their training centre in Baidoa, as well as providing the SNA with military vehicles to support security operations and a new barracks that can accommodate 450 troops,” a statement from the UK embassy in Mogadishu read in part.“We recently announced a new support package for Somalia worth £21.8 million, including £1.6 million to counter the threat from roadside bombs, and a further £3.37 million for the Somali Security Forces engaged in joint operations with the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM).”
The embassy added that the UK was committed to training a full brigade of the Somali National Army in Baidoa.
UK forces are currently training their fifth Somali infantry company and plan to complete the brigade by graduating another 600 soldiers during 2021.
Secretary also visited UK troops training Somali National Army