Somali National Army Personnel graduate from UK led training in Baidoa
皇冠体育app course forms part of the UK鈥檚 ongoing commitment to bring peace and security to the region.
Somali National Army training at a UK-funded training facility in Baidoa
This month, the Somali National Army celebrated the graduation of a further 98 soldiers from British military training in Baidoa, the capital of Southwest State in Somalia.
皇冠体育app UK has built a training centre in Baidoa, including a state-of-the-art firing range that was opened by Southwest State鈥檚 President, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, and the UK鈥檚 Africa Minister, Andrew Stephenson, on 21 August. Construction of 450 barracks for the Somali army has just started on the same site.
皇冠体育app 16-week training, involving a mix of theory and practical lessons, covered defensive positions, vehicle check points, dealing with improvised explosive devices, first aid, safe weapon handling and leadership.
皇冠体育app UK training has already shown its value. Attacks in Baidoa have fallen since the Somali army built defensive positions around the city as part of their course, and some of those on the course used their new skills in a successful attack against Al Shabaab in the area of Daynunay this month.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, the Commander of British Forces in Somalia, Colonel JL Baynham, said:
皇冠体育app training is being delivered by highly experienced specialists. It鈥檚 focused on building really strong infantry skills, which are what the Somali army most needs to defeat Al Shabaab. 皇冠体育app Somali soldiers are very able and keen to learn. We are already seeing the benefits, for the individuals, their units and the security of the area.
皇冠体育app British Ambassador to Somalia, Ben Fender, said:
皇冠体育app Somalis are working to improve security after decades of conflict and terrorism. 皇冠体育app UK is a major partner and the only country providing military training outside Mogadishu. Baidoa is a vital location in the fight against Al Shabaab. We need to stay the course, but over the last year, Somalia has made real progress towards building its future army, and in conducting operations. We鈥檙e delighted to support that.
皇冠体育app course is part of an on-going programme of support to the Somali National Army鈥檚 60 Division. Graduates will now receive additional medical, planning and command training.
皇冠体育app UK has delivered training to over 900 members of the Somali National Army since January 2017. 皇冠体育app focus has been on medical skills, leadership development, intelligence, equipment care, logistics and the rule of law.