UK to reinforce SNA training, targeting 600 soldiers this year

GOOBJOOG NEWS|BAIDOA: The UK government has announced additional training support to the Somali National Army targeting 600 soldiers this year.

According to a statement from the UK embassy in Mogadishu, the British army is reinforcing its support to SNA through three different training programmes to deliver effective operations and promote long-term stability.

The training is being conducted at the British supported SNA training centre in Baidoa, the southwest state’s capital.

UK ambassador to Somalia Kate Foster said the training will be instrumental in building the forces’ capacity to tackle security challenges in the country.

“The UK is helping to develop a strong professional army to help promote long-term peace and conduct effective operations in the region to counter Al-Shabaab,” ambassador Foster said.

“We are proud to be supporting Somalia to strengthen its effort in this collective fight.”

The training covers a wide range of areas such as command and control, shooting, communications, countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and logistics, planning and executing operations.

In January 2021, the British Army trained its 500th Somali soldier in essential infantry skills, underlining the UK’s commitment to Somalia’s long-term

security, with plans to train five more companies comprising around 600 troops in 2021.

The UK Minister for Africa, James Duddridge MP, visited Somalia earlier in the year, announcing £1.6 million to counter the threat from roadside bombs, and a further £3.37 million for the Somali Security Forces engaged in joint operations with the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM).