The United Kingdom (UK) has pledged $9 million to fund AMISOM in fighting against al Shabaab in Somalia during the country’s PM Theresa May’s visit in Kenya. Ms. May emphasized the importance of durable security, calling for combined efforts to end terrorism.
As she pledged Theresa May said that Somalia is at a critical juncture. And sustainable, predictable funding and support for the troops who are building stability in the region is vital to support a transition to Somali-led security when the conditions for a handover are right.
The UK also has a counter-improvised explosive devices center in Nairobi where British troops train troops deployed under AMISOM to identify and destroy home-made bombs. The UK is determined to promote security in Africa by building the capacity of its troops. The UK is actively involved in a number of counterterrorism efforts in Africa in a bid to aid in securing and stabilizing countries affected by jihadist insurgencies.
AMISOM has been hit several challenges among them funding to various rollbacks from stakeholders such as the European Union that cut its contribution by 20%. The pledged funds will ease the operational burden on AMISOM which is working to stabilize Somalia both by fighting al Shabaab and helping build the capacity of the Somalia security agencies to ensure progress upon the withdraw of the peacekeeping troops.
