Mogadishu, 12 February 2026 – The United Kingdom’s Minister of State for International Development and Africa, Baroness Chapman of Darlington, on Thursday visited the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) Aviation Centre at Mogadishu Airport, reaffirming the UK’s strong support to Somalia’s peace and security transition. The high-level visit provided an in-depth understanding at how UNSOS aviation and logistical support enable frontline operations across Somalia in support of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the Somali Security Forces (SSF).

Accompanied by UK Ambassador to Somalia Charles King, UNSOS Chief of Supply Chain Fabio Mevoli, Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) Ambassador Mouktar Osman Kaire, SSF officials and senior mission leadership, Baroness Chapman witnessed firsthand the operational impact of UNSOS aviation support in advancing Somalia’s peace, security and stability.

The UK Minister underscored the importance of the UK’s contribution to the SSF Trust Fund — a cornerstone of operational support to AUSSOM and SSF operations.

“We are in Somalia today, and I have been here learning about UNSOS and AUSSOM and the work we have been doing together with our military, with the UN, with the Somali forces.,” said Baroness Chapman.

The visit also showcased how UNSOS aviation enables life-saving medical evacuations, troop and police rotations, VIP and special operations movements, and the transportation of heavy equipment — capabilities that have been essential during AUSSOM’s transition, including the recent drawdown.

In his remarks, DSRCC Ambassador Mouktar Osman Kaire highlighted the essential contribution of UNSOS to the mission’s operational effectiveness. “I would like to reaffirm AUSSOM commitment to successful implementation of its mandate and I welcome the UK’s continued support and focus on the support of AUSSOM, UNSOS, and the SSF.”

Beyond operational support, the visit underscored UNSOS’ long-term legacy in strengthening Somali national capacity from mentoring security personnel to investing in the next generation of aviation professionals. Capacity-building and skills transfer remain central to Somalia’s security transition and institutional sustainability.

Captain Dr. Mahad Ahmed, Somali National Army Medical Evacuation Liaison Officer, emphasized the tangible impact of international support on Somalia’s security institutions.

“The Somali government has received critical assistance that directly strengthens our security factors and also enhance our national capacity,” said Dr Ahmed. “We are also profoundly grateful to UNSOS for its continuing professional medical services and logistical support to the Somali Security Forces. Your contributions save lives … and support our operational effectiveness and also the morale of our military personnel is high nowadays.”

Kowthar Hussein Shidane, a student at Mogadishu Aviation College, highlighted the impact of the training on her professional growth. “We greatly appreciate UNSOS for supporting us and preparing young people for real opportunity. This initiative in capacity building is helping us to grow, develop our skills and prepare us for the future,” said Shidane.

Acting Assistant Secretary-General and Head of UNSOS, Ms. Qurat-ul-Ain Sadozai, met with Baroness Chapman and Ambassador Charles King, expressing appreciation for the continued support of the United Kingdom — including the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the British Embassy in Somalia. Ms Sadozai recognized the strong partnership with the UK Embassy in Somalia and highlighted their steadfast support to the Somali Security Trust Fund while emphasizing UK’s strategic partnership in advancing Somalia’s security transition. Ms. Sadozai also highlighted the invaluable contribution of the UK 7, whose expertise and engagement have added significant value to UNSOS’s work, strengthening operational effectiveness and reinforcing the mission’s ability to support AUSSOM and Somali Security Forces.

The visit reinforced the strong partnership between the UK, UNSOS, AUSSOM and the Somali Security Forces in advancing Somalia’s security transition and long-term stability.