U.S resumes aid to Somali army, ties it to operations against terrorism

The U.S has resumed support to Somali National Army two years after it suspended following corruption claims but remained categorical the support will only be tied to operations ‘focused on defeating terrorist organizations.’

A statement from the US embassy on Wednesday noted that support was a result of steps by the Federal Government to reform the military.

The Statement said The United States resumed providing direct security assistance to a non-mentored unit of the Somali National Armed Forces this week in support of counterterrorism operations in Lower Shabelle against al Shabaab.

Noting that the reforms had given the United States confidence to support the military, embassy spokesman Ryan Grizzle said Somali government must ‘continue prioritizing security sector reforms, including asset management and human resources, as part of the comprehensive effort to build and sustain capable, professional, and accountable security force’.

The U.S suspended support to Somali National Army except from Danab brigade which the US trains in Baledogle base in December 2017 following corruption claims and lack of accountability within the military.
Currently, a soldier in the Somali National Army earns $230 per month.

The announcement of the resumption of aid to the military came a day the U.S ambassador to Somalia Donald Yamamoto alongside AFRICOM commander Gen. Stephen Townsend held talks with Jubbaland controversial President Ahmed Madobe in Kismayu.