Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) — The United Kingdom has formally handed over a British-funded military training centre in Baidoa to Somalia’s Ministry of Defence. The transfer took place on Thursday at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Mogadishu, during the first official meeting between Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi and the newly appointed British Ambassador to Somalia, Charles King.
The centre, previously operated as a British Security Training Facility, will now fall under Somali control and serve as a hub for strengthening the operational capacity of the Somali National Army (SNA).
“The Baidoa facility is critically important for enhancing the professional development of our forces and accelerating operations against Al-Shabaab,” said Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, while expressing appreciation to the UK Government for its continued support.
In a statement posted on X, the UK Embassy in Somalia described the transfer as part of its commitment to a “secure and safe Somalia,” adding: “The UK-Somali security partnership is stronger than ever.”
The ceremony was attended by senior officials from both governments, including the British Defence Attaché to Somalia, Captain James Edwards.
The move comes as Somalia steps up its military campaign against the al-Shabaab insurgency in the country’s south-central regions. With Somalia assuming greater responsibility for its national security infrastructure, the handover reflects a broader shift toward local ownership and sustainable military development—bolstered by long-standing international partnerships.
