Somalia, 25 September 2025 - The United Kingdom (UK) has announced a further £6 million (over $8 million USD) in funding for the Somali Security Forces (SSF) Trust Fund administered by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).
The latest tranche builds on the UK’s substantial funding support to UNSOS, which provides non-lethal logistical support to the SSF including food rations, fuel, tentage, communication equipment and life-saving medevac support.
UNSOS also provides essential capacity building training to SSF personnel to enable them to effectively take over security responsibilities.
In a statement, British Ambassador to Somalia, Charles King, said the latest funding affirms the UK’s commitment to the fight against Al-Shabaab and supporting Somalia’s security transition process.
“We want to see this latest support improving the capacity of Somali forces on the ground, helping them make progress against Al Shabaab."
"The non-lethal logistical support provided by UNSOS is ensuring that soldiers on the frontline receive vital items, equipment and emergency medical services which are crucial in boosting their morale and ensuring efficient operations,” said Ambassador King.
Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Awes Hagi Yusuf Ahmed, welcomed the new funding noting the impact of the fund to Somalia’s improved security situation.
He urged other donors and international partners to support the fund, pledging the government’s commitment to ensure transparency in utilization of the funds.
“We want to assure both the Somali people and the UK that the supported provided will be used effectively and transparently."
"As a government, we are accountable, not only to the Somali citizens, but also to the UK taxpayers because they want to know how their contributions are impacting the security situation in Somalia,” said the National Security Advisor.
“We are committed to full transparency and accountability to all-whether they are Somali’s or UK citizens providing us with support," he added.
The Officer-in-Charge Head of UNSOS, Qurat-Ul-Ain Sadozai, noted that the support provided by the UK is essential and core to the sustenance of the SSF Trust Fund, and Somali security forces on the frontline.
“I want to recognize the partnership with the UK and express our gratitude for their support. We also commend and acknowledge the bravery of the Somali Security Forces (SSF) working jointly with African Union (AU) troops in ensuring that Somalia remains safe. UNSOS commits to continue providing the necessary support required for efficient operations,” noted Ms. Sadozai.
In 2024, UK funding to the SSF Trust Fund enabled UNSOS to deliver 6,000 tons of food rations and 2,000 tons of diesel fuel to the SSF, as well as providing casualty evacuations (casevac) for hundreds of wounded personnel. The latest contribution will be an added boost to this essential logistical support.
UNSOS, currently supports 18,900 SSF personnel and requires adequate funding to scale up the numbers to 20,900 in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2767 of December 2024.
Source: United Nations Support Office in Somalia
