UK donates £5 million to Somalia to support counter-terrorism efforts

The UK government has donated £5 million to Somalia to support the Somali Security Forces (SSF) in their fight against the Al-Shabab group.

The donation was announced on Tuesday following a meeting between Somalia’s National Security Adviser, Hussein Sheikh Ali, and the UK’s Deputy National Security Adviser for International Affairs, Dame Sarah MacIntosh.

The donation comes amid the ongoing gradual withdrawal of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) from the country, as they transfer security responsibilities to SSF.

Dame Sarah MacIntosh highlighted the significance of this financial support in strengthening security cooperation between the UK and Somalia, with a focus on combating terrorism.

She stated, “The security partnership between the UK and Somalia is crucial for the stability and security of Somalia and the region. The UK remains committed to supporting Somali-led efforts to combat terrorism and restore stability in recently recaptured areas of the country.”

The UK has committed over £10 million in support of the Somali security forces since 2020.

President Hassan Mohamud’s administration continues its ongoing offensive against Al Shabaab, particularly in the Glamudug and Hirshabelle regional states, with the aim of defeating the Al-Shabab.