The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) hosted a joint meeting for Somalia’s security partners to provide an update on the progress of the Somali Security Forces (SSF) Trust Fund.
At the meeting in Mogadishu, UNSOS briefed the partners on the Fund’s status and outlined the mission’s assistance to the Somali Security Forces through the SSF Trust Fund.
Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Hussein Sheikh Ali, highlighted the importance of UNSOS’ logistical support in enhancing SSF operations.
Ali expressed gratitude for UNSOS’ contributions and urged international partners to ensure consistent funding for the SSF Trust Fund to bolster Somalia’s security and stability.
Assistant Secretary-General Aisa Kirabo Kacyira emphasized the Trust Fund’s crucial role in supporting UNSOS’ mandated tasks and facilitating seamless security transitions in Somalia.
Kacyira acknowledged the support of international partners like the United Kingdom and the United States towards the SSF Trust Fund.
The funding will enable prompt and efficient delivery of essential non-lethal logistical support to the SSF, including food, fuel, communication equipment, and capacity building.
Representatives from various countries and organizations attended the meeting, both in person and virtually.
The Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Somalia, Michael Nithavrianakis, highlighted the positive impacts of his country’s support to Somalia’s security sector through the Trust Fund.
US Ambassador to Somalia, Richard Riley, commended UNSOS for managing the SSF Trust Fund and pledged continued oversight to ensure proper fund utilization.
Somalia’s Chief of Defence Forces, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyadin, stressed the importance of ongoing support to enhance the operational capabilities of the Somali Security Forces.
Gen. Osman Abdullahi Mohamed, the Deputy Commissioner of the Somali Police Force, emphasized the vital role of UNSOS’ support in maintaining law and order in liberated areas.
UNSOS currently assists 20,900 SSF personnel in joint operations with ATMIS through voluntary Trust Fund contributions.
UN Security Council Resolution 2748 encourages Member States to support the Somali Security Forces through the Trust Fund to counter terrorism and advance peace and security in Somalia and the region.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).