(30-06-23) KAMPALA – The Ministry of Defense of the Federal Republic of Somalia, on Friday, proudly announced the successful completion of a comprehensive training programme for a specialist unit of the Somali National Army (SNA) in the Republic of Uganda. This comes during a pivotal phase of transition in the country’s security landscape, as the African Troop Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) is reducing its presence, with an expected handover of all security responsibilities to Somalia by December 2024.
Defence Minister, Abduqadir Mohamed Nur, has overseen the training of two battalions, a 3,000-strong force, in Uganda. This addition to the SNA is predicted to invigorate the ongoing mission to restore peace and stability, particularly in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
In light of the ATMIS drawdown, which included the handover of six Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) and the withdrawal of 2,000 troops in June, the reinforcement of the Somali National Army’s capabilities has become increasingly vital. An additional withdrawal of 3,000 ATMIS troops is expected before October this year.
“The Ministry of Defence is determined to increase both the quantity and the quality of our Armed Forces,” Minister Nur remarked. “We are immensely thankful to the Governments of Uganda for their unwavering support for the Somali people and our government.”
The training event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Ugandan Minister of Defence, the Commander of the Ugandan Army, and the Deputy Commander of the Somali National Army.
This successful programme follows a similar one completed in May, where another 3,000-strong specialist unit of the SNA was trained in Uganda.
