MOGADISHU, Somalia – The United Kingdom has announced a major shift in its military training operations in Somalia, closing its long-standing base in South West State after more than a decade.
The move is aimed at consolidating UK efforts in the capital, Mogadishu, while continuing to provide support and strategic advice to the Federal Government of Somalia.
British Ambassador to Somalia, Charles King, revealed that weeks earlier he formally handed over the keys to the Baidoa training facilities to Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, giving the Somali National Army full control of the sites.
“From now on, it is up to the Somali National Army to make the best use of these facilities,” King said in an exclusive interview with Arlaadi Media Network.
He added: “But this does not mean our support is ending. Everything we are doing in Mogadishu is directed at strengthening Somali forces — whether through training, counter-IED expertise, medical assistance, or financial support to ensure the army has the weapons it needs to confront Al-Shabaab.”
Security experts say the move could improve coordination in Mogadishu while empowering Somali forces to take greater responsibility for their own training infrastructure.
The decision underscores London’s continued commitment to Somalia’s security and counterterrorism efforts, even as operational priorities shift from South West State to the capital.
