(31-05-23) MOGADISHU — Somalia has submitted a new request to the British government, seeking to enhance defence cooperation between the two nations and expedite the lifting of the longstanding arms embargo on the country, as announced by Minister of Defence, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur on Tuesday.
Nur shared these aspirations during a meeting with the newly-appointed British Ambassador to Somalia, Michael Nithavrianakis. “Today, I had a brief but fruitful exchange with Ambassador Nithavrianakis, during which we discussed existing defence and security cooperation between Somalia and the United Kingdom,” said Nur. “I conveyed my welcome on behalf of the Somali security sector and highlighted the urgent need for lifting the arms embargo against Somalia.”
The embargo, which has been in effect for years, has limited Somalia’s ability to acquire military equipment vital for its security forces’ fight against regional terror threats.
The Minister of Defence warmly welcomed the British Ambassador to Mogadishu, emphasising the importance of the British government’s support in the ongoing restoration of the Somali state. “I have further discussed with the Ambassador on the need for our security forces to have the necessary military equipment to fight and neutralise terror threats in the region,” Nur added.
The British government has been instrumental in Somalia’s recovery, providing support in numerous areas, including the construction of the national army. Notably, the UK has established one of the training bases for the Somali army in the city of Baidoa in the Bay region.
Somalia, engaged in an ongoing battle against the Al-Shabaab group, regularly seeks international assistance in bolstering its operations. Among the international community, the UK government is recognised for its significant contributions to Somalia’s anti-Al-Shabaab initiatives, the national army’s development, and social progress.
Ambassador Michael Nithavrianakis’s recent appointment as the UK’s ambassador to Somalia comes at a critical time. Nur urged the Ambassador to facilitate and accelerate the UK’s support, further solidifying the ties between the two nations.
