Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-At the recent Somali Security Conference held in New York, chaired by the Somali President, the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has made a significant appeal, requesting $211 million to bolster its National Army. This critical financial request is timed with the ongoing withdrawal of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) scheduled for December 2024.

In a bid to strengthen its defense capabilities, the Somali National Army (SNA) is focusing on a strategic overhaul and capability enhancement. The FGS’s Security Sector Development Plan, which necessitates substantial funding, is centered on reinforcing the army as it braces for a new era of responsibility and self-reliance.

The detailed financial plan outlines a total budget requirement of $293 million for the 2024-2025 period. This budget is strategically allocated to cover various critical aspects of military development:

• Logistics and Weapons: $181 million to ensure the army is well-equipped for its operations.
• Uniforms: An allocation of $32 million for uniform supplies.
• Training and Logistics Command: An estimated $5.5 million for establishing vital command systems.
• Personnel Management: Includes the demobilization of 12,000 personnel, requiring between $40 million to $52 million, and the recruitment of 8,262 personnel with a budget of $27 million for salaries.
• Command, Control, Communication Systems (C3): An additional $5.5 million aimed at enhancing the operational command structure.

This request is a key step in Somalia’s journey towards taking full control of its security operations post-ATMIS withdrawal. The focus on restructuring and modernizing the SNA highlights the government’s dedication to building a capable, self-sufficient military force.

The conference in New York, led by the Somali President, marks a pivotal moment for Somalia on the international stage. It underscores the nation’s commitment to its security sector reform and its reliance on the continued support of international partners in this significant phase of transition.

As Somalia prepares for this crucial shift in its security landscape, the global community’s response to this funding appeal will be instrumental in shaping the future of the nation’s military strength and stability. The conference has set the stage for an international collaboration aimed at supporting Somalia in its ambitious goal to establish a peaceful, sovereign, and secure nation, anchored by a robust and self-reliant National Army.