In a poignant gathering at Mogadishu, officials from the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and the Somali government assembled for a handover ceremony that transpired as a beacon of hope amid a sea of challenges. With life-saving equipment being transferred to Somali security forces, the event underscored a critical leap towards fortifying the nation’s counter-IED operations. The atmosphere was one of solemn determination and cautious optimism, reflecting the daunting yet surmountable challenges ahead. Senior military leaders, alongside UN dignitaries, bore witness to this defining moment in Somalia’s ongoing battle against the treacherous threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Mighty yet unassuming, Mogadishu stands resilient amidst the onslaught of nearly 600 IED attacks over the past year alone. These attacks have inflicted grievous harm on approximately 1,400 souls, reaffirming the perilous reality faced by this African nation. Al-Shabaab, the orchestrator of despair, continues its relentless deployment of these devices, rendering roads perilous and sowing seeds of fear. Somalia’s security forces, stretched to their limits, persevere in the face of adversity.
Enter UNMAS, an organization galvanized by the urgency to act. Their initiative unfolded at this crucial juncture, as they supplied the Somali National Army (SNA) with a cornucopia of resources. Armored vehicles, route search kits, medical supplies, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) equipment, and training-of-trainers (ToT) kits, all formed part of the momentous handover. Marking this occasion was the graduation of 51 freshly minted SNA EOD and route search specialists, whose expertise promises to enhance Somalia’s ability to detect and neutralize the lurking menace of IEDs.
“Given the nature of the IED threat here in Somalia, it’s essential that we sustain the capabilities of the national security forces, particularly as we consider the gradual withdrawal of the African Union forces,” stated Ilene Cohn, UNMAS Director, echoing the sentiments of many who understand that strength must be built from within.
Standing shoulder to shoulder, Somalia’s State Minister of Defence, Omar Ali Abdi, and Deputy Chief of Defence Forces General Madey Nurey accepted the equipment with gratitude and a renewed sense of mission.
“We need more training and equipment because we are engaged in a bitter war with an enemy that relies on mines as a weapon of choice. These devices slow our advances, and overcoming them is critical to liberating more areas,” Minister Abdi asserted with an unwavering voice, his words piercing through the air like an anthem of resistance against the ominous specter of Al-Shabaab’s tactics.
Raisedon Zenenga, the UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Somalia, forewarned about the invaluable long-term capacity-building efforts.
“The UN is creating real, tangible capacity on the ground in EOD and IED clearance. Our goal is to ensure these capabilities remain long after UNMAS, UNTMIS, and UNSOS have exited,” Zenenga elaborated, drawing a blueprint for sustained efforts.
IEDs, a perennial thorn, continue to impede Somalia’s pursuit of peace and progress. This threat complicates military maneuvers, targets key figures, and disrupts the very lifelines designed to stabilize liberated zones. Adapting to these conditions, Somali forces and their global allies have underscored counter-IED operations as a pivotal component of their broader strategy.
Since 2021, the tireless efforts of UNMAS have resulted in training and equipping 51 SNA EOD teams. The Somali Police Force, similarly supported through Japanese funding, has birthed 21 police EOD teams adept at confronting explosive threats, especially in densely populated urban landscapes.
“While significant progress has been made, our work is far from over. There is much more to be done, not only in training teams but also in establishing a sustainable, Somali-led EOD capacity to manage these threats,” explained Fran O’Grady, UNMAS Somalia Chief, with an air of resolve and an eye on the horizon.
Beyond the battlefield, UNMAS’s contribution extends to offering technical expertise and policy guidance, ensuring Somalia aligns with its international commitments, including the significant 1997 Ottawa Convention outlawing anti-personnel mines.
Yet, as pivotal as counter-IED operations are, experts caution that the key to Somalia’s longevity lies in addressing deeper systemic issues. Thought-provoking questions incessantly bubble up: how deeply intertwined is Al-Shabaab’s bomb-making prowess with the pervasive cycle of poverty, fragile governance, and radicalization that grips the nation?
For any counter-IED strategy to truly thrive and resonate, it must encompass more than just military maneuvers. Community engagement, intelligence sharing, and economic revitalization must follow suit. Inviting local populations to participate in reporting unusual activities and tightening the noose on access to bomb-making materials are crucial steps in this evolving narrative.
The ceremony, fraught with quiet determination, witnessed laptops, training kits, and protective gear being displayed with purpose and reverence. Symbolizing the invaluable cooperation between UNMAS and Somali security forces, this handover represents yet another progression towards countering the ominous rise of IED threats.
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall,” said Confucius. Perhaps, as Somalia embraces this creed, it shall find the strength to forge ahead towards a brighter, safer existence.
