The Somali government and the United States have signed an agreement to strengthen the Somali National Armed Forces (SNA) in their fight against the Al-Shabaab insurgency.
The deal, which was announced on Wednesday in Mogadishu, will see the US increase its support and training for the SNA, especially the elite Danab brigade, and establish military centers in five Somali cities.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who witnessed the signing ceremony, said the agreement would help his government reform and improve the SNA, and secure the country from the terrorist threat.
He also thanked the US for its role in enhancing the capabilities of the Danab and other Somali security agencies, and urged the joint committee of the two countries to prioritize the implementation of the deal.
The agreement was signed by Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur and US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Shane Dixon, and attended by US Deputy Secretary of State for Security Bonnie Denise Jenkins.
