The United Kingdom has given an additional £2.75 million to the
UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) Trust Fund in support of
Somali Security Forces (SSF).
The Trust Fund is administered by UNSOS and supports SSF
logistical priorities as set out by the Federal Government of
Somalia. The new UK funding will support the provision and
transport of resources such as food rations, communication
equipment, and tents, and will with assist medical evacuations of
SSF troops conducting operations.
Additionally, the contribution makes it possible to further
invest in capacity building and ensuring the sustainability of
the SSF and its operations. For example, the UK funding means in
addition to the acquisition of Very High Frequency (VHF)
communication equipment, through the Trust Fund, the SSF will be
given the technical skills to maintain the VHF system and enable
future installation work. This will support interoperability,
communications and effective operations in Somalia.
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.
Head of UNSOS, Dr Aisa Kirabo Kacyira said:
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.
Currently, UNSOS supports 14,900 Somali National Army (SNA) and
1,000 Somali Police Force (SPF) personnel in joint or coordinated
operations with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia
(ATMIS). Efforts are ongoing to increase support to 18,900
personnel. This latest funding contribution will help enhance
personnel training.
Voluntary contributions by Member States to the Trust Fund will
remain critical as the SSF takes further security
responsibilities in the context of the ATMIS drawdown.
Background for editors
-
You can follow UK activity in Somalia on Twitter/X, Facebook and on our
website
-
The UK has provided £23.425m of voluntary contributions in
support of UNSOS since 2022. It also provides significant
financial support to the African Union Transition Mission in
Somalia (ATMIS).
