Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud on Wednesday concluded the training of UAE-trained Somali commandos in the capital Mogadishu, Horseed Media reports.
Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid, Federal government officials, UAE ambassador to Somalia, dignitaries from the, the United Nations and the international community, gathered at a military academy to participate in a ceremony marking the graduation of the commandos.
The train-and-equip mission, part of a long-term, multi-lateral UAE-Somalia partnership to promote security and stability in the country, will assist the Somali government in its ongoing efforts to deal with militant groups like al-Shabaab, according to military officials.
During the ceremony, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud explained the significance of the training for the nation. He encouraged the newly-trained commandos to take up their responsibilities.
‘’We are expecting all of you to eliminate terrorist groups like al-Shabaab from the whole country and execute the necessary duties assigned to you.’’
He thanked the UAE government of supporting Somalia in terms of humanitarian and military aid.
On his side, UAE ambassador Mohammed Ahmed Osman Al Hammadi pointed out that his government will continue to support Somalia as it recovers from the over two decades of civil war.
Somalia hasn’t had an effective central government since 1991, when warlords overthrew former dictator Mohamed Siad Barre, making it a haven for terrorists, pirates and illicit arms dealers.
Once one of Africa’s largest militaries under former dictator Siad Barre, toppled in 1991, Somalia’s national army was been torn apart by decades of clan rivalries and the absence of any effective government to actually serve.
In the past few years, UAE has established several humanitarian and development projects in the country. It has also provided military aid to the Federal government and regional administrations.
Horseed Media
Somalia President wraps up training for UAE-trained commandos
Published: January 20, 2016
