UK announces $6.2M to support Somalia in counter-terrorism

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) — The UK on Tuesday announced the equivalent of $6.2 million in funding to support Somali security forces as they combat terrorism and work to restore stability in areas liberated from the al-Shabaab group.

“The UK Government has announced a further £5 million in funding for the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) Trust Fund to support Somalia’s Security Forces,” the British Embassy in the Somali capital Mogadishu said in a statement.

The funding aims to maintain support and operations against al-Shabaab and help build the capacity of the security forces, taking on greater responsibility as the African Union proceeds with its mission’s withdrawal from the Horn of Africa country.

According to the statement, the funds will be used for non-lethal logistical support to the Somali security forces, including food, shelter, and medevac.

“Significant progress has been made in Somalia over the last decade. The international community must remain committed in support of Somalia’s aims for a sustainable, affordable and accountable security sector,” it said, adding that the transition from the African Union mission in Somalia to Somali-led security “remains our collective goal.”

The Somali national army and its allied clan-based militias who continue on an offensive against the al Qaeda-affiliated group have liberated large swathes of territories in the central states of Hirshabele and Galmudug.

Al-Shabaab has increased attacks since Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who was elected for a second term last year, declared an “all-out war” on the terror group.