Mogadishu – The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) has strengthened the digital competencies and technical capacity of the Somali Security Forces (SSF) through a month-long advanced networking course aimed at improving resilience against digital threats and enhancing national security.

Delivered by the UNSOS Field Technology Service (FTS), the training equipped SSF personnel with essential network security and infrastructure skills, covering topics, including network security fundamentals, network analysis, networking commands, LAN technologies, routing principles, internet connectivity, IP subnetting, network design and services, and structured cabling using Ethernet and fibre-optic technologies.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Major Abdulkadir Mohamed Hassan, Chief of Staff for Training and Doctrine in the Somali National Army (SNA), thanked UNSOS for providing advanced technical training to the SSF to enhance operational effectiveness across Somali security institutions.

“A soldier needs three things when you look at the training doctrine; these are personal training to help the officer grow, technical training to improve skills—since most of our work is skills-based—and management training to develop leadership abilities. The training these officers took here is technical, focusing on communication and its various facets, including radio communication and telecommunications,” said Maj. Hassan.

“UNSOS supports us a lot. They train us and offer capacity-building programmes, and we truly appreciate their efforts. This training benefited six personnel from the SNA and two from the Somali Police Force (SPF), all of whom gained important technical skills.”

Speaking on behalf of Paul Gimsay, the Chief Field Technology Section, Alphonse Aka Attron, Chief, Innovation and Technology Unit, reiterated the UN’s commitment to improving the capacity of the SSF to have a reliable communications base and urged the participants to make use of the skills gained.

“Building a strong ICT capacity is part of the strategic goals of the mission. We are doing this because having reliable, strong ICT will also be the backbone of all the communications in Somalia, and we want to make sure that we are empowering this country with good communication skills,” he said.

Webby Simbeye, UNSOS FTS Program Manager, said the training is part of UNSOS’ mandate to provide capacity building to the SSF to improve their communications capabilities, which is critical for operations.

“The on-the-job training (OJT) program in advanced networking represents UNSOS FTS’ commitment to implement the MOU between the Federal Government of Somalia, United Nations and African Union for support to SSF in line with Article 12.4 that speaks to the provision of skills development and capacity building on communication equipment,” Simbeye added.

Maynard Alvin Vyvyhen Thomas, UNSOS’ Capacity Building Specialist, emphasised that the course is part of a broader effort to enhance the technological proficiency of Somali forces and address existing digital capability gaps.

“We are very happy to celebrate the first cohort of the advanced on-the-job training conducted by our Field Technology Service. As young engineers and technicians, this knowledge transfer benefits you both personally and professionally,” said Thomas.

Lieutenant Isse Mohamed Barow Ahmed of the SNA said the training will significantly support his brigade’s operational needs.

“We learnt advanced networking skills, including fibre-optic technology and connecting Cisco switches to routers. These skills are essential for our military units and brigades. We also gained new ideas and valuable experience,” said Lt. Ahmed.

Constable Abdisamad Mohamed Abdullahi, from the Somali Police Force, appreciated the training and requested additional specialised courses to further enhance their technical readiness.

“We now feel confident performing these tasks. We kindly request that this course and other related trainings continue so that we can keep improving our skills. In addition, we request training on programming CCTV cameras and radio systems,” said Constable Abdullahi.

The advanced digital technology course is part of UNSOS’ mandated training initiatives aimed at building the capacity of the SSF to ensure a stable and peaceful Somalia.