Somalia, UN Support Office strengthen security partnership to boost fight against Al-Shabaab
Under the agreement, UNSOS will provide non-lethal equipment, transport assistance, medical support, and specialised training to help the army secure and stabilise areas recently reclaimed from the armed group Al-Shabaab.
Somalia’s Ministry of Defence and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) have agreed to strengthen their partnership in national security operations, with a focus on boosting the capacity of the Somali National Army (SNA).
Under the agreement, UNSOS will provide non-lethal equipment, transport assistance, medical support, and specialised training to help the army secure and stabilise areas recently reclaimed from the armed group Al-Shabaab. The effort will be carried out in coordination with the African Union and regional forces.
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The understanding was reached during a meeting at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Mogadishu, led by Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and UNSOS Director of Mission Support Qurat-ul-Ain Sadozai.
Both sides reviewed existing cooperation and discussed ways to expand support in areas critical to sustaining ongoing security operations.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the talks focused on strengthening the operational readiness of Somali forces through improved supply of non-lethal equipment, increased logistical mobility, enhanced field medical support, and targeted training programmes.
Hold liberated areas
These measures aim to ensure that Somali forces can hold liberated areas, maintain security, and enable local governance to operate without disruption.
Minister Fiqi commended UNSOS for its role in recent military operations, describing its contribution as “consistent and indispensable support” in Somalia’s fight against armed groups.
“Its vital role in providing non-lethal logistical support to the armed forces and for its contributions to the successes achieved in the fight against the terrorist groups had been critical in reducing the operational space of Al-Shabaab and in supporting Somali troops on the ground,” he said.
UNSOS has long provided logistical and operational support to Somali forces as part of broader international efforts to stabilise the country. Its assistance includes support to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and joint operations between Somali units and regional partners.
Dedicated to Somalia’s stability
Sadozai reaffirmed UNSOS’s commitment to working with Somali institutions, saying the office remained dedicated to “Somalia’s stability and the professionalisation of its armed forces,” and emphasised that building the capacity of national security institutions was essential for lasting peace.
The renewed cooperation comes as Somali forces, together with ATMIS and allied regional contingents, conduct operations aimed at disrupting Al-Shabaab’s influence. These missions are designed to secure cleared areas against counterattacks and ensure civilian authorities can operate freely.
Both sides said the partnership will continue to adapt to the needs of Somali forces and the evolving security landscape. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that a joint working framework will be put in place to monitor progress and identify priority areas for further collaboration.
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