Baidoa, Somalia, SONNA – The Somali Minister of Defense, Ahmed Ma’allin Fiqi, today officially received a key military training center in Baidoa, a facility constructed and supported by the government of the United Kingdom. This significant handover follows a productive meeting between Minister Fiqi and the newly appointed British Ambassador to Somalia, Charles Nicholas King.
The training center has been fully transferred to the Ministry of Defense to bolster the capabilities and ongoing development of the Somali National Army. This strategic acquisition is set to accelerate the army’s training initiatives and enhance its operational readiness, particularly in the critical fight against extremist groups.
The handover ceremony was attended by senior officials from the British Embassy, including military attaché Captain James Edwards, underscoring the collaborative spirit between the two nations.
Minister Fiqi conveyed his profound gratitude to the British government for its unwavering and continuous support to Somalia. He highlighted the pivotal role the Baidoa center will play in strengthening the national army’s military prowess and in advancing counter-terrorism efforts across the nation.
This development marks another chapter in the robust partnership between Somalia and the United Kingdom, focusing on enhancing security and stability in the region through strategic military cooperation and capacity building.
