European Peace Facility: Council adopts an assistance measure to support the Somali National Army

The Council adopted an assistance measure worth €1 million, under the European Peace Facility, to support the Somali National Army with military equipment designed to deliver lethal force.

With the adoption of today’s additional support, the Somali National Army (SNA) will be better equipped and trained. The EU is determined to help the SNA to assume full responsibility over security operations in Somalia. Our joint interest remains security and stability in the country.

Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

The assistance measure will strengthen the capacity of the Somali National Army to be trained at the General Dhagabadan Training Centre, with a view to restore safety and security in the country and protect the civilian population. Through this assistance measure, the EU will provide ammunition that will be used solely for training Somali National Army personnel in conjunction with EU Training Mission in Somalia and in full respect of relevant international law, in particular international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

This capacity-building support through the EU Training Mission in Somalia is coupled and synchronised with the €69 million of equipment and supplies delivered to the Somali National Army since 2019, and remains essential for Somalia to be in better control of its security.

Background

The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 to finance all Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) actions in military and defence areas, with the aim of preventing conflict, preserving peace and strengthening international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third states and regional and international organisations as regards military and defence matters.