The European Union Training Mission for Somalia (EUTM Somalia) this week repatriated 551 Somali soldiers trained in Uganda and began their re-integration into the Somali National Army, according to the organisation's press release Thursday (February 21st).

The troops spent six months undergoing training on gender issues, human rights, the law of armed conflict and international humanitarian law, and were divided into four infantry companies of 120 trained officers, non-commissioned officers, specialists and soldiers.

EUTM Somalia's Uganda-based programme has also prepared 60 trainers, who will return to Somalia to develop an in-country military education programme under EUTM Somalia's guidance through 2015. EUTM Somalia training will continue in Uganda in 2013, with a particular focus on specialist and leadership training.

EUTM Somalia is a joint effort of the European Union, the United States and the Uganda People's Defence Forces. To date, it has trained 3,000 soldiers, an estimated 25% of the Somali military, which is currently participating along the African Union Mission in Somalia to oust al-Shabaab and maintain security in liberated areas.