UNSOM Supports Training Symposium for Somali National Army (SNA)

9 Oct 2014

UNSOM Supports Training Symposium for Somali National Army (SNA)

Mogadishu – The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) is spearheading a capacity building campaign for the Somali National Army (SNA) as part of wider effort to improve security in Somalia.

In order to identify the needs of the SNA and then prepare a training schedule for 2015, UNSOM has facilitated a two-day symposium attended by the leadership of the SNA and many other partners including the European Union Training Team, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the United States, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

Senior members of the SNA that attended the conference included Brig. Gen. Abdullahi Ahi Einte - Chief of Personnel and Administration, Brig. Gen. Abdullahi Osman Agey - the Chief of Mobilization and Col. Isak Aden Hassan, the SNA’s Chief of Training.

The key training priorities identified during the symposium included: discipline and code of conduct, human rights, military law, military intelligence, communication, administration, advanced infantry and combat lifesaving. Trainees will include fresh recruits, serving officers and refresher courses for trainers.

Brigadier Anthony Bryan Howie, UNSOM’s Senior Military Advisor, says the symposium was critical in helping stakeholders understand the training needs of the SNA.

“We gathered here to identify training priorities for the SNA for 2015. This symposium provided for us the opportunity to listen to the SNA so that the partners can understand the existing gaps better and work towards meeting those needs. Such interaction is essential for us to come with a robust and effective training program,” he said.

Brig. Howie also explained that the symposium and wider campaign has helped partners better coordinate training for Somali security institutions. “The training for the SNA is a highly coordinated effort. This ensures better utilization of resources, ability to tap into different areas of expertise. The overall goal is to have a well-trained, highly disciplined force that can protect Somali and its people,” he added.

Over 2000 recruits have been trained this year, while over 5,500 serving soldiers have taken various refresher courses. The SNA’s Chief of Personnel and Administration Brig. Gen. Abdullahi Ahi Einte applauded the partners for their engaging approach. “We appreciate this joint effort by our partners. We want to build a very strong army for Somalia and this training is very important for the attainment of this goal,” he said.

Capacity building and the enhancement of skills is a critical building block for rebuilding Somalia.