Background

Almost a decade of civil war in Somalia brought widespread devastation and a complete collapse of centralised governance leading to endemic crime, piracy and Islamic extremism as well as wide spread suffering of its people. In 2010 following the intervention of a coalition of neighbouring African countries to secure the national capital and establish a Transitional Government, the EU launched the European Training Mission – Somalia to support the creation of a new Somali National Army to assist with the provision of security.

Originally based in Uganda due to the prevalence of insecurity in Somalia, the Mission relocated to Mogadishu in 2015, where it remains today. It has dramatically increased its role from the delivery of training, to mentoring and advising the most senior commanders in the Somalia National Army. Over the past ten years notable progress has been made, with the Somali National Army having assumed the security of a number of areas( most notably that of Mogadishu), and increased its capabilities.

Mission & goals

EUTM Somalia aims to strengthen the Somali federal defence institutions by providing training, mentoring and advice. EUTM Somalia ensures that its activities are tailored to the best interests of the Somali defence institutions and are coordinated with other international partners. EUTM Somalia focuses on increasing the proficiency, effectiveness, credibility and accountability of the Somali defence sector to enable Somali authorities to progressively take over security responsibilities. Key to this will be EUTM Somalia’s drive to support development of a sustainable Somali-owned training system that provides the Somali National Army with the policies, procedures, expertise and experience to manage their own force generation.

EUTM Somalia, in cooperation with the European Union Capacity Building Mission to Somalia, and EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA, performs an important role to support the development of functioning and accountable Somali institutions that serve the Somali people. EUTM Somalia also supports the development of the Ministry of Defence, and continues to deliver tactical training. In addition to light infantry, engineering and specialized training, development increasingly focuses on Train the Trainer programs and mentoring that will provide the Somali National Army with the capability to manage their own training.

Composition

EUTM Somalia counts on the support of its 204 members from six different nations. Possessing a breadth of experience in infantry, logistics and communication specialists, EUTM-S is well placed to train, mentor and advise the Somali National Army.

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