EUTM SOMALIA

The European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia) was launched on 7 April 2010 since then its mandate has been extended five times, with changesreflecting circumstances on the ground. Due to the political and security situation in Somalia at the time, the Mission initially conducted training in Uganda, which also facilitated close coordination with AMISOM.

1st and 2nd Mandates were focused on tactical training to support the Somali Transitional Federal Government in strengthening its national institutions. The Mission’s 3rd Mandate contained a significant change in focus, with the addition of strategic advisory and mentoring activities to complement the training role. Furthermore, the Mission headquarters was relocated to Mogadishu.

On 16 March 2015, the 4th Mandate extended the mission until December 2016. Whilst maintaining its training capability with a focus on leadership and specialized courses, the Mission increased its advisory activities aimed at building longterm capability within the Somali Ministry of Defense (MoD) and Somali National Army (SNA) General Staff.

On 12 December 2016, the Council renewed the mandate of EUTM Somalia for the fifth time until 31 December 2018 and on 01 January 2019 it commenced its 6th Mandate in order to build on its previous successes.

The Training Team (TT), in liaison with CAS Strand 2A partners, AMISOM, UNSOM and other actors, plays an active role supporting the Somali military authorities in the design and development of a Somali owned training system.

During the 5th Mandate the TT primarily delivered collective training; in particular it successfully instructed light infantry companies, combat engineer platoons and cadres of SNA trainers. It also provided mentoring of GDTC Commander and their staff and advice to SNA headquarters training branch. As EUTM Somalia commences its 6th Mandate, it will increasingly prioritize the training of SNA instructors and will progressively shift its focus from direct tactical training delivery, to mentoring of SNA staff.

The Advisor Team (AT) is the ‘main effort’ of the Mission, and is tasked to provide strategic and operational advice to the Somali MoD and SNA General Staff. The principal outcomes of this effort are the development and drafting of keystone documents and policies, the encouragement of civilian oversight over the SNA, and the development of functioning staff branches through the provision of advice, mentoring and focused training in accordance with Somali needs.

The EU supports the Somali institutions in the process towards a peaceful Somalia. It continues to engage with the Somali Federal Government and supports its efforts towards improving the living conditions of the population, including in the field of security and the delivery of basic services.

The EU supports the principles laid down in the Djibouti Peace Agreement, including the spirit of reconciliation and the search for an inclusive process in Somalia. In addition to EUTM Somalia, there are a range of EU instruments contributing to the development of the security sector in Somalia, in cooperation with international partners.

The EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) – Operation ATALANTA contributes to the prevention and deterrence of piracy and the protection of vulnerable shipping.

The EU also contributes to the development of coastal police and the judiciary in Somalia, among other countries, through its regional civilian mission – EUCAP Somalia. Additionally, EU development aid (e.g. education and job creation programs) supports alternative livelihoods, thus contributing to the development of economic opportunities that will attract young Somalis away from criminal activities and extremism.

The EU is a major sponsor of AMISOM, the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, both financially and also through planning and capacity building.

The EU has been funding AMISOM since its launch in March 2007 through the African Peace Facility (APF).

Spanish participation in EUTM Somalia was approved by the Council of Ministers on April 23rd, 2010, after Congress passed the government request.

Spain was the first country to command this training mission when it was launched in Uganda in May 2010. The first Spaniards to arrive in the area were 18 instructors from the Army Training and Doctrine Command. They taught specialised training modules, including section command, urban warfare, communications, explosive ordnance protection and health care.

Since January 2015, a "pool" of instructors has been available to teach all courses' content. Spain's contribution are about 20 servicemen plus one officer stationed in Brussels and the rest of them stationed in Mogadishu, including the Chief of Staff and the Head of the Training Team; both Colonels from the Spanish Army.

2023

• February 22 th.Colonel Javier Carlos Sánchez Guerra assumes command of the Spanish EUTM-S contingent.

2022 

• September 11th. The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell Fontelles, visits EUTM-S
• July 17th. The Chief of Defence (JEMAD) visits the members of EUTM-S
• June 20tth. Colonel Manuel José Martín Rico takes over command of the Spanish EUTM-S contingent, occupying at the same time the position of Head of Training Team Leader.
• April 27th. Colonel Jesús Fuente Simón takes over as Chief of Staff of the EUTM Headquarters (COS EUTM-S HQ).

2021 

• October 15th. Col. José Antonio Moscoso Sicardo leads the Spanish contingent and holds the position of Head of the training operation.
• July 14th. Col. Juan I. Reyes Madridejos takes over as Head of the Spanish contingent. 
• January 28th. The eigth PLCC Course concludes with a CPX exercise, between Jan 23 to Jan 28.

2020 

• December 17th. Spanish CHOD visits Spanish troops deployed within EUTM-Somalia
• November 19th. The Spanish military deployed to EUTM-Somalia has taken over after eight months in Mogadishu.
• November 7th. Col. José Luis Sales takes over as Head of the Spanish contingent. 
• October 13th. The 7th training course for Company and Platoon leaders ends successfully.
• February 22nd. Col. Diego García Garrido takes over as commander of the Spanish troops deployed. 

 2019

• November 1st.  The EUTM misión reaches 5.000 troops trained.
• September 30th. EUTM Somalia concluded training of the 4^th Company of Somali Light Infantry.
• April 16th.  A total of 89 military personnel completed training of the 3rd Company of the 143rd Battalion of the Somali Army.

2018

• December. EUMT Somalia training team, led by Spain, finishes the 2018 year with more than 500 Somali soldiers trained. EUTM Somalia faces its 6th Mandate, extending Europe's commitment to Somalia until December 2020.
•  April. The German and Dutch contingents are withdrawn from Somalia, after being part of EUTM-Somalia for 7 and 5 years respectively. 
• February. The Spanish instructor team trains two Companies integrating the Infantry Battalion of the Somali Armed Forces.

2016

• November. Italy expresses its commitment to maintain its command till December 2018.

2015

• March 16. The European Union extends the mission till December 31, 2016.

2014

• January. The mission is moved from Uganda to Somalia.

2010

• May 4. EUTM-Somalia begins its operating phase under Spanish command.
• April 23. The Council of Ministers approves the operation.
• April 22. The Congress of Deputies authorises participation of Spanish soldiers in the mission.
• January 25. The European Union agrees to create a training mission for Somali security forces.