EU training mission in Somalia extended with new budget

[Deeq A.]

The European Union [EU] said it has extended the mandate of EU military training mission EUTM Somalia until 31 December 2020.

In a statement issued on Monday, EU Council agreed on a budget of €22.9 million for the period 1 January 2019 until 31 December 2020.

The Council also slightly adapted the mission’s existing mandate of providing political and strategic level military advice to Somali authorities and contributing to the development of the Somali National Army (SNA)’s own training capacity with a view to handing over training activities for tactical units once conditions are met.

The mission continues to support Somali-owned and Somali-provided training. It also supports other actors in carrying out their respective mandates in the security and defense area in Somalia.

EUTM Somalia was launched in December 2010 to provide political and strategic level military advice and mentoring to Somali defence institutions.

The mission focuses on specific mentoring, advice, tailored training and capacity-building in order to contribute to the development of the Somali National Army, with the focus of delivering effective and sustainable security in the country.

EUTM Somalia has been based in Mogadishu since 2014. It has a team of more than 200 staff and is led on the ground by Brigadier General Matteo Spreafico (Italy).

EUTM Somalia is part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to Somalia, which comprises diplomatic efforts, development support, humanitarian aid as well as security engagement.

It includes two complementary missions under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy: EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA contributing to fighting piracy off the Somali coast and EUCAP Somalia for maritime security capacity development in the Horn of Africa and the Western Indian Ocean.

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