EU supports Somali National Army with equipment of lethal force
Brussels, Belgium (PANA) – The European Council (EC) on Monday adopted an assistance measure worth €1 million, under the European Peace Facility, to support the Somali National Army with military equipment designed to deliver lethal force.
"With the adoption of this additional support, the Somali National Army (SNA) will 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," said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.
According to the official, the assistance measure will strengthen the capacity of the Somali National Army to be trained at the General Dhagabadan Training Centre, with a view to restoring safety and security in the country and protecting the civilian population.
“Through this assistance measure, the EU will provide ammunition that will be used solely for training Somali National Army personnel in conjunction with EU Training Mission in Somalia and in full respect of relevant international law, in particular international human rights law and international humanitarian law,” Borrell emphasized.
This capacity-building support through the EU Training Mission in Somalia is coupled and synchronized with the €69 million of equipment and supplies delivered to the Somali National Army since 2019, and remains essential for Somalia to be in better control of its security.
The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 to finance all Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) actions in military and defence areas, with the aim of preventing conflict, preserving peace and strengthening international security and stability.
In particular, the Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third states and regional and international organizations as regards military and defence matters.
-0- PANA AR/RA 27Nov2023
