Direction Mogadishu for EUTM Somalia
(BRUSSELS2, exclusive) The "27" Foreign Ministers gave the green light today to the start of the third phase of the training operation for Somali soldiers (EUTM Somalia). With a very sharp turn. Since it is now - as we had already announced on the B2 club - to no longer confine oneself to "off-the-ground" training but on site in the country. According to the Head of Mission, Irish Colonel Beary, the mission could thus begin its third period, with two components: specialized training provided in Uganda (in Bihanga, as today) and a direct presence in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, at the Al Jazeera camp, which serves as a camp for the Somali army as well as the AMISOM forces (Ugandan in particular), as well as with the political authorities.
An operational but also very political move
This transfer will be gradual. But it is justified by the improvement of the situation in the Somali capital. Mogadishu is no longer under direct fire from Al Shabab as in 2011, although there are still security problems. And, above all, it also allows us to be closer to the new political structures and the Somali army. It is now on this that security in Mogadishu will rest. And EUTM Somalia started in great discretion and under abundant criticism appears today as a success. The impression emerging from the recent evaluation review is positive. In three years, the European Union will thus have trained - with its Ugandan partner - 3000 soldiers. Or a quarter of the Somali forces. The European Union first provided specialized training (telecommunications, health, combat in urban areas, etc.) for the infantrymen of the new Somali army, while its Ugandan partners provided basic and combat training. Then, in a second phase, it focused on the training of officers, non-commissioned officers and what is called "Command and control", the C2. Even if the contribution of African troops - from Uganda and Burundi at first, from Kenya and Ethiopia in a second - is essential, the new Somali army " behaved well in the different offensives.
Significant losses for Amisom
If part of Somalia was able to be reconquered from Al Shabab, it was not a piece of cake. The fighting was fierce. And the losses of AMISOM as well as substantial government Somali forces. At least 500 Ugandan soldiers have lost their lives in the past five years, Kenyans at least 25 of their own. Not to mention the injured. And with regard to the very young Somali army, the losses are no less numerous. According to an officer B2 contacted, “ approximately 10% of staff trained have already died in battle. That is about 300 soldiers. We can honor them...
B2 Club details (subscribers):
- Agreement of the 27 on the reconfiguration of EUTM Somalia
- Le fate of EUTM
- EUTM Somalia, 3rd Generation
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