Brussels, 24/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 22 January, the European Council decided to extend the EU training mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia) for two years. The mission will continue to contribute to the strengthening of the Somali armed forces so they can ultimately take over security responsibilities.
However, given the changing situation in Somalia, EUTM will refocus its activities. The mission will provide political and strategic advice to the Somali Ministry of Defence and the chief of defence forces, advise on security sector development and provide specialised military training and mentoring in the training domain. This is to lay the foundations of a Somali-owned military training system, with basic and specialised military training taking place in Somalia. The mission will gradually move training activities from Bihanga (Uganda) to Somalia, in the light of security conditions. Brigadier General Gerald Aherne from Ireland will take over the command. The common costs of the operation until 31 March 2015 are estimated at €11.6 million. EUTM Somalia, first launched in February 2010, has helped train about 3,000 Somali troops so far. (LC/transl.fl)