The European Union (EU) has approved $116.9 million for stabilization efforts in Somalia. This funding, sanctioned by the Political and Security Committee of the Council of the EU, will aid in the transition process for the Somali National Army (SNA) and the military component of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
The EU will allocate $74.4 million to supplement existing resources for ATMIS and $42.5 million for the SNA. These actions are geared towards facilitating the transfer of security responsibilities from ATMIS to the SNA while reinforcing the latter’s capabilities.
ATMIS has initiated troop withdrawals in accordance with a UN Security Council resolution, completing the first and second phases and handing over 13 military bases to Somali security forces. An additional 4,000 troops are slated for withdrawal by the end of June.
The funding will primarily support ATMIS troop allowances and provide non-lethal equipment for the SNA. Since 2007, the EU has been the largest direct contributor to ATMIS, contributing nearly $2.87 billion.
