MAG has begun a project in Mogadishu aimed at strengthening the peacekeeping work of the African Union.

Two MAG Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians are currently carrying out preparations for the EOD training of African Union peacekeeping forces deployed with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

The current training preparations phase of the project will last for two months, after which the actual EOD training of the troops is scheduled to start.

Technical guidance is also being provided to the peacekeepers in the ongoing destruction of seized weapon systems and munitions stockpiled at AMISOM's base in the Somali capital.

The project will increase the African Union's ability to respond to problems related to the widespread presence of insecure Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in Somalia following four decades of conflict.

The Somali Transitional Federal Government, Ethiopian and African Union forces have all engaged in substantial ground combat operations with opposing armed militia groups in and around Mogadishu in recent years, which has resulted in the proliferation of SALW in the area.

Increased access to these weapons by armed groups in turn exacerbates the violence, fuels crime and actively undermines security and peacebuilding efforts, posing a threat not just inside Somalia but also to the political stability of the wider Horn of Africa region.

MAG's work in Mogadishu supports the relief, reconstruction and development efforts of local, national and international development and aid agencies implementing peace-building and development initiatives.

As a result of MAG's work, these organisations will be able to carry out their activities with a reduced risk from SALW-related violence and therefore reach a wider population.

For more information on MAG's work in Somalia, please visit www.maginternational.org/somalia