MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Fiqi, on Wednesday attended a formal handover ceremony at the Dhagabadan Training Centre for new EU-funded non-lethal military aid to the Somali National Army (SNA).
The donated equipment, which includes vehicles and other vital logistical supplies, seeks to bolster the army’s operational capacity and support ongoing security and stabilization efforts across the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, Fiqi thanked the European Union for its continued partnership, noting that this support is critical as the SNA prepares to take on greater responsibilities following the drawdown of African Union troops.
EU representatives present at the event reiterated the bloc’s commitment to Somalia’s security sector reform and acknowledged the progress made by Somali forces. The handover follows a series of similar contributions under the EU’s training and equipping programs designed to enhance Somalia’s self-reliance and long-term security.
The new equipment will immediately be distributed to priority units and will be key in ensuring the Somali National Army can effectively protect civilians and counter extremist threats.