US injects $2 million to Somali army, to bolster Al-Shabaab war

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The government of the United States has yet again injected more funds into the Somali National Army [SNA], further showcasing the commitment to the fight against Al-Shabaab, a group that has destabilized the Horn of Africa nation for the last two decades.

On Tuesday, Washington pumped $2 million to support the ongoing crackdown against Al-Shabaab militants even with the presence of the US Africa Command, which has been playing a pivotal role in the fight against Al-Shabaab. The US Africa Command trains and equipped SNA besides providing aerial surveillance.

A statement released by the US embassy in Mogadishu revealed that the money has been channeled through the UN Support Office in Somalia [UNSOS], and will ‘finance transport and in-theater medical evacuation for Somali Security Forces in line with the UNSOS mandate.’

The UNSOS is the arm with jurisdiction to provide logistical support to the Somali National Army and regional troops in the Horn of Africa nation. Other troops getting support through UNSOS are the peacekeepers serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS].

The troops are essential in the fight against Al-Shabaab across the country and over the past few years, they have made tremendous gains. US embassy Chargé d’Affaires in Mogadishu Shane Dixon said the funds will go a long way in enabling the SNA in the ongoing war against Al-Shabaab.

“It is vital that Somali and ATMIS security forces have the strong logistical backing needed to defeat al-Shabaab on the battlefield,” said Dixon. “We are proud to support UNSOS, a key partner to the United States and Somalia in our shared goal of advancing peace.”

Currently, UNSOS is under obligation to support over 15,900 Somali Security Forces on specific logistical needs. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, the UNSOS boss, hailed the contribution as key in boosting the UNSOS mandate in Somalia, adding that the troops have made a significant impact.

“This contribution comes at a pertinent time and will positively impact our activities in providing agile logistics support to Somali Security Forces. Our support package is mandated by the UN Security Council and priorities in implementing this support are set by the Federal Government of Somalia,” said Kacyira.

Somalia is projecting that by the end of 2024, most of her troops could be stable enough to take over security responsibilities from the ATMIS contingent which has begun gradual withdrawal from the country. Already, 2,000 ATMIS soldiers have left and an additional 3,000 are set to leave this month.

GAROWE ONLINE