UK to contribute over $ 4.3 million to the UN Somali National Army Trust Fund

UK Minister of State for the Armed Forces Penny Mordaunt MP who visited Somalia yesterday, has announced an additional contribution of over $ 4.3 million to the UN Somali National Army Trust Fund, which will help pay for essential resources including rations, fuel and medical supplies.

Speaking after her meeting with the Somali Prime Minister Omar Sharmarke, the Minister said: “I am delighted to announce the UK’s further donation of over $ 4.3 million to the Trust Fund, which will support the SNA in its fight to defeat Al Shabaab. This demonstrates our commitment to the SNA, and to building the foundations of lasting security in Somalia more widely.”

The Minister of State for Armed Forces, Hon Penny Mordaunt, visited Somalia on 14 February. She met with: Prime Minister Omar Sharmarke; Defence Minister General Abdulkadir Sheikh Ali (Diini); Internal Security Minister Abdirizak Omar Mohamed; the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Somalia Michael Keating; Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia; and the Chief of Defence Forces Maj Gen Mohammed Aden Ahmed.

The United Nations Support Office for Somali (UNSOS) SNA Trust Fund provides logistics support – such as food, water, fuel, tents, transportation and medical support – to SNA units in joint operation with AMISOM.