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UK Announces Additional £5m Support for Somali Security Forces

Storyline:Security

The UK Government has announced a new round of funding for the Somali Security Forces to bolster their operations and build their capacity to fight against the militant group Al-Shabaab.

A statement from the UK embassy in Mogadishu noted that the UK was channelling an additional £5 million of support for the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) to provide non-lethal support to Somali Security Forces.

The UNSOS Trust Fund provides non-lethal support to the Somali Security Forces (SSF) in their fight against al-Shabaab. The statement noted that the new fund ‘reinforces the UK’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the SSF to ensure the safety and security of Somalia and the wider region.’

The Trust Fund, administered by UNSOS, plays a crucial role in providing non-lethal logistical support to the SSF, including vital resources such as rations, tents and lifesaving medevac assistance, the UK government said. It added that the Trust Fund currently supports 14,900 Somali National Army and 1,000 Somali National Police forces and with the support of contributing countries like the UK is aiming to boost support to 18,900 SSF.

UK Ambassador to Somalia Mike Nithavrianakis said the new fund ‘UK will make a vital difference to Somali Security Forces who are working tirelessly to defeat violent extremists like al-Shabaab and restore stability in Somalia and the region

Somalia National Army chief Major General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhuddin, welcomed the announcement of this additional contribution from the UK. “We welcome the trust placed in the Somali Security Forces, including the Somalia National Army, and the practical support to peace and security in Somalia.”

Assistant Secretary-General and Head of UNSOS Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, expressed gratitude for the UK’s continued support, emphasising its significant impact on bolstering the capabilities of the Somali Security Forces.

The UK has provided £20.675m of voluntary contributions in support of UNSOS since 2022. It also provides significant financial support to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).