In brief
- On February 16, 2024, Goobjoog News reported that Somalia and the United States signed a security pact and an MoU for five military bases for the Somali National Army.
- The report describes a roadmap and blueprint, not a construction contract, and gives no locations, costs, timeline, contractor, or current status.
- U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Molly Phee said the U.S. expects to reach the 3,000 Danab personnel target set in 2017 within several months.
On 16 February 2024, Goobjoog News reported that the Federal Government of Somalia and the United States government signed a security pact presenting a roadmap for the construction of military bases. The agreement was signed during a function presided over by Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu.
According to the same report, the two countries inked a memorandum of understanding for the construction of five military bases for Somalia's National Army. The MoU provides a blueprint, not a construction contract. Molly Phee, U.S. assistant secretary of state for African affairs, said at the ceremony: "Our shared goal is to have the Somali National Army exercise full control over base operations when the facilities are completed, and the MoU just provides the blueprint to do that."
The Goobjoog News report does not establish that construction has begun or been completed since the signing. It gives no locations for the five bases, no cost or funding source, no contractor or implementing agency, and no timeline for construction or completion.
Phee also said, according to the report: "Within several months we are looking forward to reaching the 3,000 Danab personnel target set in 2017." She added that reliance on temporary and often inadequate camps hampers the Danab's preparedness and could obstruct the brigade's sustainability and growth.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud thanked the U.S. government for its support, saying the contribution has immensely enhanced the Somali National Army's capability to fight al-Shabab militants. He said U.S. investments in the Somali National Army have borne fruit, fueling a formidable strike force that leads offensives against al-Shabab.
As of the publication date, the report provides no evidence of subsequent construction activity or funding for the five military bases.
Frequently asked questions
Where will the five Somali military bases be located?
The Goobjoog News report does not state the locations of the five military bases.
What is the cost and timeline for building the bases?
The report does not provide a cost, funding source, or construction timeline.
Who are the contractors for the Somali military base construction?
The report does not name any contractor or implementing agency.