Somalia – EUTM
Somalia is one of the poorest countries in the world and has a history of nearly two decades of civil war. The country is now being rebuilt, and a natural part of this process is creating peace and security, introducing democratic processes, building institutions that uphold democratic values, and ensuring that human rights are respected.
Photo: Johan Berger/Försvarsmakten
The main task of EUTM Somalia is to contribute to capacity-building in the defence and security sector at the governmental level—primarily within the Somali Ministry of Defence—and within the Somali Armed Forces.
EUTM Somalia carries out this task through advisory work and mentoring at the Somali Ministry of Defence as well as within the Somali General Staff. In addition to advising and mentoring, the mission also conducts a range of training activities for the Somali Armed Forces based on identified Somali needs.
The mission is conducted mainly in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, with smaller supporting elements in Nairobi and Brussels. The force is based within the international camp at Mogadishu Airport.
The mission, which began in 2010, currently includes participation from six EU member states as well as Serbia and the United Kingdom. At present, the personnel strength is around 180 officers, soldiers, and civilians. Sweden contributes approximately nine personnel.