Somali soldiers return home from Uganda after military training

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Somali soldiers who were trained in Uganda has been given a good reception during their arrival at Mogadishu airport by officials from the federal government

Addressing the new trainees who numbered 55, federal minister for defense Mohamed Mursal Sheikh pledged them the government will not abandon them and will keep them in the military service.

“Welcome to your country. We will not abandon you. What you learnt is meant for your motherland against the background of attacks by terrorists that have no mercy for the Somali people” said minister Mursal.

He requested the soldiers to serve their people with the new skills they acquired. “We need through your efforts and skills to serve your land and the Somali people.”

Late September, a $50 million military academy facility built by Turkey was opened in Mogadishu believed to be the largest military base overseas for the Turkish government and can train 1,500 soldiers at a time.

According to Sahan, think-tank research firm, donors – including the EU, AU, Turkey and Uganda – have trained more than 80,000 Somali soldiers since 2004. Matt Bryden,a political analyst with Sahan said records are so poor it was not clear if many had taken multiple courses, or just quit afterwards. “It’s like sand through your fingers – where are they all?”

African Union is withdrawing its first 1,000 troops by end of this month who have been in Somalia over 10 years.

Goobjoog News