The United Kingdom has announced an additional contribution of £6 million (over $8 million USD) to the Somali Security Forces (SSF) Trust Fund, administered by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS). This funding will provide vital non-lethal logistical support, including food rations, fuel, communication equipment, tentage, and life-saving medical evacuation services for Somali security personnel. It builds on the UK’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Somalia’s security institutions and support the transition process as the country takes greater responsibility for its own security.
British Ambassador to Somalia, Charles King, emphasized that the new support underlines the UK’s commitment to helping Somali forces make progress in the fight against Al-Shabaab. He noted that ensuring frontline soldiers receive essential supplies and emergency medical care is crucial for their morale and operational effectiveness.
Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Awes Hagi Yusuf Ahmed, welcomed the UK’s contribution, highlighting its impact on improving the country’s security situation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, assuring both Somali citizens and UK taxpayers that the funds would be used effectively to strengthen national security.
Qurat-Ul-Ain Sadozai, Officer-in-Charge and Head of UNSOS, also expressed gratitude for the UK’s continued partnership. She praised the bravery of Somali security forces, who operate alongside African Union troops, and reaffirmed UNSOS’s commitment to providing the necessary logistical support for their operations.
In 2024, UK funding enabled UNSOS to deliver 6,000 tons of food rations, 2,000 tons of diesel fuel, and essential casualty evacuation services for hundreds of wounded personnel. The latest contribution will further boost UNSOS’s ability to support the 18,900 Somali security personnel currently benefiting from the fund, with plans to expand this to 20,900 in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2767.
