The European Union has pledged 1 million euros in new military aid to Somalia’s army which is preparing to take full responsibility for the country’s security when African Union troops depart by late next year.
In a statement it published today, the EU said the aid is aimed at delivering “lethal force” to the Somali army.
“With the adoption of today’s additional support, the Somali National Army (SNA) will be better equipped and trained,” said Josep Borrell, the bloc’s foreign policy chief.
“The EU is determined to help the SNA to assume full responsibility over security operations in Somalia. Our joint interest remains security and stability in the country,” he added.
The EU said the aid “will strengthen the capacity of the Somali National Army to be trained at the General Dhagabadan Training Centre, with a view to restore safety and security in the country and protect the civilian population”.
“Through this assistance measure, the EU will provide ammunition that will be used solely for training Somali National Army personnel in conjunction with EU Training Mission in Somalia and in full respect of relevant international law, in particular international human rights law and international humanitarian law,” it said.
The European body said it has delivered equipment and supplies worth 69 million euros to the Somali National Army since 2019.
ATMIS departure in 2024
The EU’s pledge came as the African Union prepares to withdraw its last troops in Somalia under the African Union Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) by December next year.
ATMIS troops come from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Burundi and Djibouti.
The mission is required by the UN Security Council to conclude operations in Somalia by the end of 2024 and hand over security responsibilities to Somali government forces.
ATMIS has already begun its gradual drawdown from Somalia by withdrawing several thousand Burundian troops.
