MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s cabinet has signed off on a series of defense agreements with Jordan, Qatar and Pakistan, in a move officials say will strengthen the country’s security sector and help modernize its armed forces.
The deals, endorsed during the Council of Ministers’ weekly meeting, are expected to expand cooperation in military training, equipment and capacity-building for the Somali National Army (SNA).
Government officials said the agreements reflect Somalia’s push to deepen partnerships with allied nations as it seeks to rebuild its defense institutions after decades of conflict.
Somalia has been working to professionalize and equip its security forces as African Union troops gradually draw down under the ATMIS mission, set to transition to a new African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The Somalia’s federal government officials noted stronger bilateral defense ties are critical to filling potential gaps in security support.
The country continues to battle al-Shabaab, the al-Qaeda-linked militant group that controls parts of southern and central Somalia. Officials say the new agreements will enhance the SNA’s ability to carry out operations and improve coordination with international partners.
While details of the agreements have not been made public, Somali authorities describe them as a key step toward building a more self-reliant national army capable of maintaining long-term stability.
