In a bid to enhance the capabilities of the Somali national army amidst persistent threats from extremist groups, the United States has announced plans to construct up to five military bases for Somalia.
The memorandum of understanding, signed by Somalia’s defense minister and the U.S. charge d’affaires in Mogadishu, marks a significant step towards strengthening Somalia’s defense infrastructure.
These military bases, to be associated with the Somali military’s Danab Brigade, were established in 2017 under a joint initiative between the U.S. and Somalia.
The Danab Brigade, comprising 3,000 men and women recruited, trained, equipped, and mentored from across Somalia, serves as a vital quick-reaction force in countering the extremist group al-Shabab.
While progress has been made in improving security, evidenced by the reduction of the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, al-Shabab remains a persistent threat. The recent attack inside a military base in Mogadishu underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Somalia in combating extremism.