Somalia and UK Deepen Military Cooperation as SNA Commander Hosts Colonel Andy Seddon in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU – The Commander of the Somali National Army (SNA), Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, has held talks with Colonel Andy Seddon, the Commander of United Kingdom Operations in Somalia, in a meeting that underscored the deepening defence partnership between the two nations.

The discussions, which took place in Mogadishu, focused on strengthening bilateral military cooperation, enhancing operational coordination, and advancing joint efforts to build the capacity of Somali forces. General Mohamud stressed the importance of reinforcing what he described as a longstanding historical relationship between Somalia and the UK, noting that close cooperation would play a key role in building the capacity of Somali forces.

For his part, Colonel Seddon confirmed that the UK remains committed to sustaining its support for Somalia, particularly in the areas of security, stability and improving the capability of the Somali National Army. The meeting comes as Somalia continues its offensive against Al-Shabaab militants while working to rebuild its security institutions.

A Long-Standing Security Partnership

The UK has been among Somalia’s principal security partners for over a decade, providing training, mentoring and logistical support to the SNA as part of a broader Western-backed effort to stabilise the country. Britain’s assistance has centred on training programmes and institutional support for Somali security forces in recent years.

The UK has funded and handed over a modern military training facility in Baidoa, a strategic city in the South West State, which is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the operational readiness and professionalism of the Somali National Army. The centre includes classrooms, barracks, and administrative offices designed to accommodate specialised infantry training, tactical operations, and leadership development for SNA personnel.

The UK has also donated modern counter-IED vehicles and specialised equipment to the SNA to enhance its capacity to counter improvised explosive devices, one of the deadliest tactics used by Al-Shabaab militants. The vehicles and equipment are expected to play a crucial role in protecting both civilians and security forces.

High-Level Defence Engagement

The meeting between General Mohamud and Colonel Seddon follows a series of high-level engagements that have underscored the strength of Somalia-UK defence ties. Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, held a high-level meeting with the UK Director General for Africa and the Americas, focusing on strengthening the strategic defence partnership in the areas of military training, capacity building, counterterrorism, and support for Somalia’s security sector reform.

Minister Fiqi has also held talks with the Chargé d’Affaires of the British Embassy to Somalia, with discussions centred on enhancing bilateral ties with emphasis on defence cooperation, capacity building, and joint counter-terrorism initiatives.

The UK has contributed nearly $140 million (£102.5 million) to AUSSOM and its predecessor mission since 2021, reflecting its broader commitment to African-led peace initiatives and its support for Somalia’s security transition. The UK also serves as the penholder on Somalia at the United Nations Security Council and has been instrumental in shaping the international response to Somalia’s security challenges.

A Competitive Landscape of Security Partnerships

The meeting comes as Somalia races to professionalise its armed forces ahead of the planned handover of security responsibilities from African Union troops to national forces. With Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United States all recently expanding defence cooperation with Somalia, London’s continued engagement underscores the competitive landscape of international security partnerships shaping the country’s fight against extremism.

Way Forward

Thursday’s meeting between General Mohamud and Colonel Seddon reflects the ongoing efforts to reinforce the security and defence partnership between Mogadishu and London, at a time when Somalia is simultaneously battling militant groups and working to rebuild its security architecture from the ground up. No timeline was given for specific new UK commitments following the meeting.

As Somalia continues its transition toward full security responsibility, the UK’s support through training, equipment, and institutional capacity building remains a critical component of the country’s efforts to build a capable and self-reliant national army. However, the effectiveness of these partnerships will ultimately depend on the Somali government’s ability to translate international assistance into tangible improvements in security and governance.