EU delivers defence supplies to Somali National Army in Mogadishu

08.11.2024 Strategic Communications

The EU Delegation in Somalia delivered supplies and equipment to the Somalian authorities to help improve their operational capacity in the campaign against the violent insurgency by al-Shabaab terrorists.

European flag foreground, two army trucks in background.

New equipment including military trucks, life-saving supplies, infrastructure resources and more was delivered to government authorities this week in a handover ceremony in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

Delivered by the EU delegation to Somalia, these supplies are bound to help the Somali National Army (SNA) in their campaign against the terrorist al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda affiliated terrorist organisation which continues to wage a violent insurgency in the country.

Operational mobility

The newly delivered trucks are designed to improve the SNA’s mobility and operational reach, enabling them to access remote areas, transport personnel and equipment, and respond more rapidly to security challenges.

This delivery forms part of a larger EU assistance package for Somalia, with €110 million already committed to aid Somalia’s security sector transition. The EU continues to provide bilateral support to the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) with training missions and supplies.

The EU Training Mission (EUTM) in Somalia is improving the capacity of the SNA to take on full security responsibilities. Under the European Peace Facility (EPF) supplies and equipment including non-lethal aid continues to be delivered, complementing the work of the EUTM. Together these reinforcements underscore the EU’s dedication to Somalia’s secure and peaceful future.

From the EU, the event was attended by the EEAS Deputy Managing Director for Africa, Mathieu Briens, EU Ambassador to Somalia, Karin Johansson, and the EUTM Force Commander, Brigadier General Giuseppe Zizzari.

Ongoing support

From the FGS, the State Minister of Defence Omar Ali Omer, attended the ceremony. This reinforcement also complements the EUTM’s ongoing support to train the SNA.

‘This handover, funded by the EU, represents the comprehensive assistance the EU has extended to Somalia over the years,’ remarked Mathieu Briens. State Minister of Defence Omar Ali Omer noted, ‘The EU’s support for our armed forces has been invaluable, and today’s delivery strengthens our capacity further.’

Through the EPF, the EU is equipping the SNA to take on full security responsibilities.

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