Jigjiga detention puts Saudi-backed Somali military training programme under Scrutiny

Jigjiga, Ethiopia, Sep 14— The detention of hundreds of Somali soldiers in Ethiopia has raised questions about a Saudi-backed military training programme in Somalia, amid unverified claims that some graduates could be deployed to Sudan’s war. The soldiers were detained after crossing into Ethiopia from Somalia. Estimates of the number detained range from 180 to 900, and they were reportedly associated with a larger training group at the Hanano camp in Galmudug region.

Somalia's National Security Adviser stated the soldiers were on authorized leave and used Ethiopia's route to return home due to roads inside Somalia being controlled by al-Shabaab. However, this explanation does not clarify the broader purpose, financing, or post-training deployment of the recruits. Reports suggest Saudi Arabia is funding a training program involving over 5,000 recruits, with instructors from Romania, Ukraine, South Africa, and Colombia.

However, these claims have not been independently verified, and there is no evidence that the detained soldiers intended to travel to Sudan. The incident has brought the Saudi-backed program under scrutiny, leading to questions about the intended role of the trained force after completing their training. Additionally, it highlights the broader issue of the recruitment networks in Sudan, with Sudan's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reporting that networks are targeting young people in Tigray and smuggling them to Sudan.

The detention of Somali soldiers in Ethiopia does not prove a Saudi-Somali military pipeline to Sudan. Instead, it has brought attention to a more significant question about the destination and mandate of thousands of Somali recruits whose training is reportedly being funded from abroad.