UK pumps more funds into Somali security forces

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The government of the United Kingdom [UK] has pumped an additional £5 million into Somalia, which will help Somali Security Forces [SSF] to stabilize and take over security responsibilities from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS], which has been coordinating security activities in the country.

Through the United Nations Support Office in Somalia [UNSOS], London made the donation at the time local security forces heightened the fight against Al-Shabaab in central and southern regions. Somalia is actively involved in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants.

The funding was made public during the meeting between UK Deputy National Security Advisor for International Affairs Dame Sarah Maclntosh and Somalia's presidential advisor on matters of national security Hussein Sheikh Ali, a close ally of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

"The funding builds on the UK's substantial contributions to date through the UNSOS Trust Fund, which provides non-lethal logistical support to the SSF, which will include food, shelter and lifesaving medevac support," read the statement.

"UK funding will provide ongoing support to the operations against al-Shabaab, but also assist Somalia Security Forces to build capacity as they take on greater responsibility for security," the UK government said.

The government of Somalia and the national army have recently pitched tents in Galmadug and HirShabelle states in a bid to completely annihilate Al-Shabaab militants on all frontlines. While the soldiers have suffered a few setbacks, they have managed to liberate several strategic towns.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been inspecting the progress on all frontlines, maintaining a commitment to defeat the group from all parts of the country. The second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab will kick off in Jubaland and Southwest states soon, the government said.

Since 2022, the UK has committed over £10 million in support of the Somali Security Forces via the UNSOS Trust Fund. Additionally, the UK has provided bilateral voluntary contributions for military stipends to ATMIS, totalling over £47 million since 2022. The United States, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Qatar are also some of the close allies of Somalia in the war.

GAROWE ONLINE