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UK donates Sh452.9 million to boost Somalia’s war on terror

Somalia Security Forces undergoing training. (Photo: UNSOS)

By Hassan Mohamed | 17 Apr 2024

The embassy said part of the money will be used to procure Very High Frequency (VHF) communication equipment to support interoperability and effective operations.

The United Kingdom on Wednesday donated £2.75 million (Sh452.9 million) to support Somalia’s efforts against Al-Shabaab.

The funds will be channelled through the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) managed Somali Security Forces (SSF) Trust Fund, providing resources such as food, medical supplies, communication equipment, and tents for SSF troops and the AU peacekeepers in Somalia (ATMIS).

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“The United Kingdom has given an additional £2.75 million to the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) Trust Fund in support of the Somali Security Forces (SSF). The new UK funding will support the provision and transport of resources such as food rations, communication equipment, and tents, and will assist in the medical evacuations of SSF troops conducting operations,” the UK embassy in Mogadishu said in a statement.

The embassy said part of the money will be used to procure Very High Frequency (VHF) communication equipment to support interoperability and effective operations.

“This latest donation reaffirms the UK’s commitment to achieving a secure and stable Somalia. The UK made significant contributions of £5 million in January 2024 and £5 million in December 2023 and, since 2022, has provided over £20 million in voluntary contributions to UNSOS in support of SSF,” the embassy added.

UNSOS welcomed the donation, saying it will go a long way in helping the ongoing Somalia security stabilisation efforts. Head of UNSOS, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, thanked the UK government for its continued support of Somalia.

“Over the years, the UK has been the central donor to the Trust Fund in support of SSF. This most recent contribution shows their unwavering commitment in support of strengthening logistical support and capacity building to the benefit of Somalia’s brave men and women,” Dr Kacyira said.

The UN logistics capability currently supports 14,900 Somali National Army (SNA) and 1,000 Somali Police Force (SPF) personnel in joint or coordinated operations with AU peacekeepers.

The UK also provides significant financial support to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

Somalia is currently engaged in active combat with Al-Shabaab in several regions in south and central Somalia.

On Tuesday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited three military training bases in Mogadishu to assess the combat readiness of hundreds of troops ahead of their deployment to the frontlines to join the war against Al-Shabaab.