Somalia’s Defense Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, has reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to protecting its national security and ensuring the integrity of its defense forces.
In a powerful statement reflecting Somalia’s growing focus on self-sufficiency, Minister Abdulkadir emphasized that the recent suspension of U.S. aid has had little to no impact on the operational effectiveness of the nation’s military.
“The suspension of U.S. aid has not greatly affected us,” Minister Abdulkadir stated confidently. “We are fully prepared to cover the salaries of the DANAB Commandos ourselves, ensuring that no Somali soldier depends on foreign countries for their wages.”
His comments underscored Somalia’s determination to take full responsibility for the welfare of its armed forces, even as it continues to face significant security challenges.
Minister Abdulkadir made these remarks during an exclusive interview with BBC News Somali, where he discussed the evolving landscape of Somalia’s military capabilities and the country’s shift towards greater self-reliance in defense matters.
The statement comes at a time when several African nations, including Somalia, have faced challenges due to the suspension of U.S. aid, which has traditionally played a significant role in supporting military operations and counterterrorism efforts across the continent.
Despite the withdrawal of U.S. assistance, Somalia has shown resilience in maintaining its defense infrastructure and safeguarding the country’s security.
While the suspension of U.S. aid has raised concerns in some quarters, Somalia’s leadership remains focused on developing its defense systems and ensuring the sustainability of its security operations.
