An Cosantóir

16 | Athe European Union Training Mission Somalia New Dawn for by Lt Col Gerard Buckley (Chief of Staff, EUTM Somalia) A t 1511hrs local on 07 May, Brig Gen Gerald Aherne, Commander of the European Union Training Mission (EUTM) Somalia, contacted General Patrick de Rousiers, Chairman of the European Union Military Committee, and declared 'initial operating capability' of the mission's Mentoring Advisory and Training Element (MATE) headquarters in Mogadishu, Somalia. This momentous occasion marked the first Western multinational military crisis-management presence in Somalia since the ill-fated 'Black Hawk Down' era of the early 1990s. This deployment to Mogadishu marks a paradigm shift in the European Union's engagement with Somalia and is reflective of the centre-of-gravity shift by the international community to Mogadishu. EUTM Somalia, as an instrument of the European Union's Comprehensive Approach, is consistent with the emerging and developing political framework in Somalia and is an example of the European Union's willingness to evolve in parallel. EUTM Somalia has been operational since 2010, and has been led by Ireland since the beginning of its second mandate, which commenced in August 2011 under the command of Col Michael Beary (currently Commandant of the Military College). The mission is now in its third mandate, under the command of Brig Gen Aherne (formerly GOC 4 W Bde). From the outset the mission of EUTM Somalia was to contribute to the strengthening of the Somali government. To this end, EUTM Somalia contributed to the building-up and strengthening of the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), accountable to the Somali government, and consistent with Somali needs and requirements. When EUTM Somalia was launched in March 2010, a transitional federal government (TFG) was the internationally recognised government of Somalia. However, its writ did not extend beyond the central districts of Mogadishu. Together with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), led by Uganda, the TFG was locked in combat for survival with the radical Islamic militant group Al Shabaab. When EUTM Somalia was launched the greatest need was the provision of well trained, well led, cohesive infantry units. These units were required to participate in pressing security operations alongside AMISOM. The European Union and its crisis-manage- An Cosantóir July/August 2013 www.dfmagazine.ie ment operation, EUTM Somalia, responded by delivering training from the Bihanga Training Camp, located in Western Uganda. At that time, due to the security situation and the absence of basic training infrastructure in Somalia, the delivery of training in an external location was the most appropriate and effective means of meeting Somali needs. In Bihanga, EUTM Somalia, alongside the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), and with the provision of United States' logistical support, has trained 3,000 Somalis, men and women. The training evolved from basic military training during the first mandate, to the training of company-sized units plus a cadre of 120 Somali trainers. These trainers will form the initial basis of the Somali self-training capability. The training included specialist modules on fighting-in-built-upareas; communications; mine- and IED- awareness; and combat life saving. Incorporated in all training were classes and exercises on international humanitarian law, human rights and gender awareness. All of these personnel have returned to Somalia and now form the basis of the SNAF's 5th and 6th Brigades, which in turn form the nucleus of the SNAF's combat capability and have successfully participated in combat operations in Afgoye, Marka, and Baidoa. Much has changed since 2010, and as the situation in Somali has evolved the European Union's and EUTM Somalia's engagement has evolved in parallel. In the summer of 2012, a new provisional Somali constitution was adopted, a new parliament was elected by a council of elders, and subsequently a new president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, was elected by parliament. The president appointed Prime Minister Shirdon and a new government, which replaced the TFG. A new, more energetic and assertive Somali federal government has now emerged. The improved political situation has seen a corresponding enhancement of the security situation. Al Shabaab has withdrawn from key cities in the central and southern regions of Somalia, and the liberation of Kismayo, the largest port in the south, and the opening of the important line of communication between Mogadishu and Baidoa, have been major setbacks for the group. Nevertheless, Al Shabaab retains control of significant parts of rural areas

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