Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africa News
Published on 2024-02-16 10:33:21
The U.S. has committed to building up to five military bases for the Somali army in an effort to enhance the capabilities of the Somalian national army in the face of ongoing threats from extremist groups. The memorandum of understanding was signed by Somalia’s defense minister and the U.S. charge d’affaires in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
This agreement comes at a critical time as the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, known as ATMIS, is reducing its presence in the country. The new military bases will be linked to the Somali military’s Danab Brigade, which was established in 2017 as part of a U.S.-Somalia agreement to recruit, train, equip, and mentor 3,000 men and women from across Somalia to strengthen the infantry capabilities of the Somali army. The Danab Brigade has played a crucial role as a rapid-response force in efforts to combat the extremist group al-Shabab.
The reduction of the peacekeeping force in Somalia has been authorized by the U.N. Security Council, and the Somali government has reported progress in enhancing security. However, al-Shabab continues to carry out sporadic attacks across the country, including in public areas. The group’s most recent attack, which occurred inside a military base in Mogadishu, resulted in the deaths of four Emirati troops and a Bahraini military officer.
The establishment of these new military bases demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. to support and strengthen the Somali army in its efforts to combat extremism and improve security within the country. By providing infrastructure and support to the Danab Brigade, the U.S. aims to enhance the capabilities of the Somali military and enable them to effectively respond to and prevent attacks from extremist groups like al-Shabab.
The continued threat from al-Shabab underscores the importance of bolstering the Somali national army and ensuring that they have the resources and training necessary to address security challenges within the country. The U.S. is taking proactive steps to support Somalia in this endeavor, recognizing the significant impact that a strong and capable military force can have on promoting stability and peace within the region.
Overall, the U.S. military bases project represents a strategic initiative to strengthen the Somali army and enhance its ability to counter the persistent threat posed by extremist groups. By partnering with Somalia to build and support these military bases, the U.S. is demonstrating its commitment to promoting security and stability in the region and working towards the shared goal of combating terrorism and extremism in Somalia.
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