The trade and development minister, Mogens Jensen, has agreed to send 19 million kroner in aid to Somalia to aid the government and African Union troops in their struggle against terrorism.
Jensen met with the Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, his government, members of the nation’s civil society, UN representatives, and the commander of the African Union troops (AMISOM) stationed in the war-torn country.
“To build a new and peaceful Somalia, it is essential to improve the security,” Jensen said in a press release.
“So we’re giving 19 million kroner to the Somali army and the AMISOM forces that play such an integral role in fighting [terror group] al-Shabaab.”
Loads of Danish aid
The aid for the army and AMISOM will go towards civilian activities such as food, transport, fuel, tents and medical supplies to help a nation that has suffered through two decades of civil war, extreme poverty, hunger, piracy and terror.
“The security forces began the spring with a decisive offensive against al-Shabaab. It has led to positive results for the population, which are essential to maintain,” Jensen said.
Denmark has pledged to support Somalia with 200 million kroner of aid a year from 2015-2017 and is planning to strengthen the national judicial system and ensure that upwards of one million more Somali children are sent to school.
Jensen’s stop in Mogadishu yesterday was part of a greater trip to east Africa to keep up with Danish interests in the area. He was in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi the day before.
Copenhagen Post,Wednesday August 13, 2014