By Horn Africa News
Baidoa – In a significant milestone for defense cooperation between Somalia and the United Kingdom, the UK government has officially handed over a military training facility to the Federal Government of Somalia. The transfer ceremony took place in Baidoa, the administrative capital of the South West State, and was attended by senior officials from both nations.
The handover marks the conclusion of a successful UK-led initiative aimed at strengthening Somalia’s defense capabilities. The facility, constructed and operated with British support, has served as a key site for the training and mentoring of Somali National Army (SNA) personnel over recent years.
Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Hon. Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, formally received the facility on behalf of the Federal Government. In his remarks, Minister Fiqi expressed deep appreciation for the United Kingdom’s longstanding partnership and continued investment in Somalia’s security sector.
“This center is a symbol of the enduring cooperation between our two countries,” said Minister Fiqi. “It will continue to play a vital role in enhancing the capabilities of our armed forces and accelerating the fight against terrorism, especially the Al-Shabaab insurgency.”
The UK delegation was led by Ambassador Charles Nicholas King, the newly appointed British Ambassador to Somalia. Ambassador King reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Somalia’s stability and development, stating that the transfer of the facility to Somali control reflects growing confidence in the country’s security institutions.
“Today’s handover demonstrates our support for Somali ownership of its national defense infrastructure,” said Ambassador King. “We believe this facility will continue to serve as a cornerstone for building a professional, accountable, and capable Somali National Army.”
Also in attendance was Captain James Edwards, the UK’s Defense Attaché to Somalia, along with other senior British and Somali military officials.
The Baidoa training center has been instrumental in providing military education, tactical training, and leadership development for hundreds of Somali troops. It is expected to remain a strategic asset in the Federal Government’s efforts to restore national security and counter violent extremism across the country.
The handover ceremony underscores the broader international support for Somalia’s state-building process and highlights the UK’s role as a key security partner in the Horn of Africa.
