Mogadishu – Over 20 Somali Security Forces (SSF) officers have completed a comprehensive three-day workshop on Business Relationship Management (BRM) and Digital Transformation in Mogadishu.

Organized by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), the training brought together officers from the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), Navy, and the Somali Police Force (SPF) to strengthen their capacity in leveraging digital and emerging technologies for countering insurgency threats. 

Senior officials also participated in the training, including the SPF Director for Communications, Brigadier General Abdikarim Hussein Moalim, and the Commander of the Somali Navy and Coastal Defence, Brigadier General Abdiwahab Abdullahi Omar.

UNSOS Chief of Field Technology Section, Paul Gimsay, said the workshop is in alignment with the Tripartite Agreement arrangement between the African Union, the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), and UNSOS to strengthen the SSF’s operational capacity in securing the country.

“When we conducted the BRM workshop last year, we only had representatives from the Somali National Army and the Somali Police Force. This year, a third component, the Somali Navy and Coastal Defence, underscores the importance of digital transformation to the SSF,” said Gimsay.

Maynard Alvin Thomas, UNSOS’ Integrated Mission Training Centre (IMTC) Capacity Building Specialist, stated that the mission will train more Somali security personnel in utilizing technology to enhance operational efficiency.

So far, over a thousand SFF personnel have been trained as part of UNSOS’ force generation efforts, he said.

“…This BRM workshop will further increase the number of trained personnel who can return and serve in their respective units,” added Mr Thomas.

Participants thanked UNSOS for building capacity and modernising communications systems for the SSF.

“I appreciate the well-organised training and the effort to help us be at par with the rest of the world in terms of technology. The communication units of the SNA and SPF play a key role, and the support from UNSOS in technology training is invaluable,” said SPF’s Brig Gen Moalim.

Lieutenant Isse Mohamed Barrow from SNAF said the workshop equipped them with the latest technological advancements in battlefield communications.

“We learned how to use GPS, which is essential for determining enemy positions and movements on the frontlines. With training, it’s now much easier to identify threats from vehicles equipped with Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) or individual suicide bombers,” said Lt Barrow. “Additionally, we have learned how to operate drones to observe enemy locations and share that vital information with our base.”

Somali Navy and Coastal Defence Warrant Officer Abdinur Mohamed Ali said having access to communication tools they were trained on would significantly enhance the officers' ability to effectively apply their new skills.

“In Somalia, we have a long coastline, from Ras Caseyr to Ras Kamboni, and to secure that coastline, we require advanced equipment,” said Warrant Officer Ali.

Opening the workshop on Monday, UNSOS Chief of Operations and Resource Management (ORM), Ms Cristina Gavazzo, reiterated the mission’s commitment to supporting the SSF’s capacity-building.

“We will do our best to support everybody and all your needs, despite the ongoing liquidity crisis,” said Ms Gavazzo.

This BRM workshop follows a similar session in February 2024 and continues UNSOS’ existing partnership in training SSF on the use of digital tools ahead of the transition to full security responsibilities.