US and Somalia Cooperate in Establishing Bases for Elite Army Unit
In a significant development, the United States and the government of Somalia inked a security pact on Thursday, signaling a collaborative effort to strengthen Somalia’s military capabilities and enhance its capacity to combat the al-Shabab militant group. The ceremony, held in Mogadishu and overseen by Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, marked the signing of a memorandum of understanding outlining plans for the construction of five military bases dedicated to Somalia’s National Army, particularly for the elite U.S.-trained unit known as the Danab Brigade.
According to a statement from Somalia’s National News Agency, SONNA, these bases are crucial to advancing the readiness of the Danab Brigade, with the ultimate goal of achieving a personnel target of 3,000 Danab members by building on the progress made since 2017. Molly Phee, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for African affairs, emphasized the United States’ commitment to supporting Somalia in its efforts to confront al-Shabab. Phee highlighted the importance of overcoming challenges posed by temporary and inadequate camps to ensure the sustainability and growth of the Danab Brigade.
Phee noted that the memorandum of understanding signifies the shared goal of transferring complete control of base operations to the Somali National Army upon completing the facilities, serving as a blueprint for achieving that objective. The U.S. aims to strengthen the capabilities of the Somali military to handle security responsibilities and counter the al-Shabab threat effectively.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed gratitude for the U.S. government’s support, acknowledging the positive outcomes of U.S. investments in the Somali National Army and the Danab Brigade, contributing to a formidable strike force leading offensives against al-Shabab.
The signing of this memorandum comes at a time of regional tensions, particularly in light of a controversial January 1 deal between Somaliland and Ethiopia, which has strained relations with Somalia’s federal government. The agreement has triggered responses from various stakeholders, including Turkey, which recently signed a defense and economic cooperation agreement with Somalia. As geopolitical dynamics evolve, the security pact between the United States and Somalia is crucial in fortifying the nation’s military capabilities and addressing regional challenges.
