EU Training Mission In Somalia Extended And Refocused

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

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The European Union Foreign Affairs Council on Tuesday extended the EU training mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia) for two years.

The mission will continue to contribute to the strengthening of the Somali armed forces so they can ultimately take over security responsibilities. But given the changing situation in Somalia, EUTM will refocus its activities, the Council said in a press release.

The mission will provide political and strategic advice to the Somali ministry of defense and the chief of defense forces, advise on security sector development as well as provide specialized military training and mentoring in the training domain. This is to lay the foundations of a Somali-owned military training system, with basic and specialized military training taking place in Somalia.

EU Foreign Policy chief Catherine Ashton said: "EUTM Somalia has provided great assistance to the Somali armed forces. All those who have been trained by EU military experts make a real difference on the ground."
The mission will gradually move training activities from Bihanga in Uganda to Somalia, depending on security conditions. Brigadier General Gerald Aherne from Ireland will take over the command. The operation until 2015 March 31 is estimated to cost EUR 11.6 million.

EUTM Somalia, first launched in February 2010, has contributed to training about 3,000 Somali troops so far. It is part of the EU's comprehensive approach for a stable, democratic and prosperous Somalia and embedded in the EU strategic framework for the Horn of Africa.

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