MOGADISHU (SD) – Somalia has received four million to use for counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs) as the preferred weapon targeting AMISOM and Somali Security Forces.

In a statement, the Japanese embassy in Kenya said the donation will be channelled through the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Action.

“This important contribution will enable the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to reduce the threat posed by explosive hazards and contribute to establishing a safe, secure and peaceful Somalia,” the statement read in part.

The new aid is in addition to $19 million already donated by Japan to mine action in Somalia.

According to the embassy, the generous contribution from Japan will assist in enhancing the capability of the Somali Police Force (SPF), both in Mogadishu and five Federal Member States, to mitigate the threat of IEDs as well as strengthen the organizational capacity of the SPF by refurbishing their police headquarters in Mogadishu.

Ms. Qurat-ul-Ain Sadozai, the UNMAS Programme Manager in the country has welcomed the funds, saying the generous and multi-year support of the Government of Japan will allow UNMAS to press on with training and mentoring support to the Somali Police Force (SPF) in further enhancing security for the people of Somalia”.

“We are very grateful for the continued commitment of the Government of Japan aimed at eliminating the threat of explosive hazards from Somalia while promoting protection of civilians,”Sadozai said

Explosive remnants of war (ERW), and legacy mines from the civil war continue to endanger the lives of the security forces and civilian population in Somalia.