EU-Somalia: The EU delivers comprehensive support to Somali National Army under the European Peace Facility

During his visit to Somalia, Peter M. Wagner met with the representatives of the Federal Government of Somalia for a high-level presentation of the EU support to the defence sector financed under the European Peace Facility (EPF). Samples of non-lethal military equipment that is planned to be delivered under the EPF, and a new shooting range facility for training the SNA were presented. An official ceremony took place in presence of international partners.

This EU support to the SNA, funded under the EPF, goes hand in hand with the work of the military EU Training Mission in Somalia. The EU Training Mission is mandated to train, mentor and provide strategic advice to the Somali National Armed Forces. 

"Today’s meeting is both very symbolic and tangible” – said Peter M. Wagner. “It shows the long-standing support of the EU and its Member States to Somalia. It is also very concrete: it is about vehicles, infrastructure, equipment, and training. And with this comprehensive support, we want to continue being a relevant partner of Somalia in its ongoing fight".

The EU support is key to help enhance the operational capabilities of the SNA to fight Al-Shabaab. It will contribute to the Somali security forces and institutions taking over the full responsibility for security in Somalia in the context of the drawdown of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and in line with relevant EU Security Council resolutions and with the Somali Transition Plan.

The provision of military equipment and infrastructure is part of a series of EU support packages to the SNA, financed under the EPF and implemented by the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS). For a total of EUR 69 million, it provides non-lethal military equipment to a total of ten SNA battalions, as well as EUR 1 million for ammunition for training. All beneficiaries undergo training on international human rights and humanitarian law prior to receiving the EU-funded equipment.  

The European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments acts as Administrator for Assistance Measures under the EPF. It also supports Somalia with crisis response, conflict prevention and peace building actions, for an amount of EUR 41.5 million for the period 2023-2024, covering notably rapid stabilisation in newly recovered areas.