BAIDOA ( Halbeeg News) – Somalia’s Defense Minister, Hassan Mohamed and UK ambassador to Somalia, Ben Fender jointly inaugurated a military training center for Somali National Army in Baidoa, the Southwest state of Somalia on Saturday.
The United Kingdom funded base will start the training of 120 Somali military officers in the first batch in an effort to improve the capacity of the force fighting armed group al-Shabaab.
Somali defense minister, Hassan Mohamed thanked the British government for its support to rebuild the armed forces in the country.
“I would like to thank the UK government for their continuous support to Somalia. To the SNA you have an important role to play in securing the country, take advantage of the training provided to better yourself and to secure the country”
On his part, UK ambassador, Ben Fender said his country is committed to continuing to provide support by training Somalia’s National Army to help promote long term stability and security benefits of the Somali people.
“In Baidoa, the Somali forces we are supporting have been building defensive positions to make the approach roads into the city more secure. This is having a direct impact on the number of attacks in the city and the security of the surrounding area.”
“The SNA is motivated, keen to learn and professional. We are committed to long-term co-operation in order to help Somalia improve security and regain full control over its territory,” he said.
The speaker of the Southwest regional state assembly, Abdulkadir Sheikhuna Maye, members of the assembly and local elders were present during the inauguration ceremony.
Led by the Republic of Turkey and several countries, including the US and UK, provide capacity building support to Somali armed forces.
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