US set to build five military bases for Somalia's army

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United States will build five military bases for the Somali National Army (SNA) as a sign of goodwill in the fight against Al-Shabaab, an agreement was reached, on what could shape the fight against violent extremism in the Horn of Africa nation.

Over a long period, the US has played a 'big brother' role, assisting the country in training and equipping Danab commandos, who are integral in the fight against Al-Shabaab. The US also offers aerial surveillance in the form of airstrikes against the militants.

A Memorandum of Understanding signed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Molly Phee, the Assistant Secretary of State, authorised the construction of five military bases for the Somali army across the country.

The five bases will be built in Baidoa, Dhusamareb, Jowhar, Kismayo, and Mogadishu, Hassan Sheikh said in a statement. The five strategic towns have been battling violent extremism, compromising security networks in the process.

In his speech, Hassan Sheikh hailed the support as a “significant contribution” to the government’s efforts to build an effective national army capable of taking over security responsibilities and countering the threat of international terrorism in the country.'

The US has a small number of military personnel in Somalia who are assisting and advising elite Somali forces known as Danab (lightning). Molly Phee has been visiting the Horn of Africa, presenting the goodwill of President Joe Biden to African allies.

Since the beginning of 2024, the US Africa Command has conducted over five airstrikes against Alshabab, with the latest taking place in Jubaland, within the outskirts of Kismayo. The US has also designated several militants as a sign of solidarity with Somalia in the fight against the group.

Al-Shabaab militants have lost strategic towns since the activation of the operation against them across the country. Both the US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) are taking part in the operation.

GAROWE ONLINE