Somalia on Wednesday welcomed 1.1 million U.S. dollars worth of military support from the European Union, saying it will help boost government-led efforts to combat terrorism and restore stability.
The Ministry of Defense said the EU assistance which was announced Monday will strengthen the efforts of the Somali National Army (SNA) to take over its security operations within the country.
« This crucial support will significantly advance the training and equipping of forces at General Dhagabadan Training Center (military facility), » the ministry said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
The EU Council on Monday adopted an assistance measure worth 1 million euros (about 1.1 million dollars) under the European Peace Facility to support the SNA with military equipment designed to deliver lethal force.
According to the EU, the additional support will enable the Somali army to be better equipped and trained.
« The EU is determined to help the SNA to assume full responsibility over security operations in Somalia. Our joint interest remains security and stability in the country, » the EU said.
« Through this assistance measure, the EU will provide ammunition that will be used solely for training SNA personnel in conjunction with the EU Training Mission in Somalia and in full respect of relevant international law, in particular international human rights law and international humanitarian law, » the EU said in the statement.
The EU is one of the main donors supporting stabilization efforts in Somalia.
