Somalia receives Chinese Tiger Armoured Vehicles from African Union..

Somalia has received a large shipment of military equipment from the African Union, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its security infrastructure and contribute to regional stability, The shipment, includes a range of essential resources aimed at bolstering Somalia’s military capabilities…

Among the items are at least six Chinese-made ZFB-05 Xinxing armored 
 vehicles, two logistics trucks, helmets, vests, fuel and water tankers, engines, medical supplies, and other critical resources. This delivery comes at a crucial time as Somalia prepares for the deployment of a new African Union mission, the African Union Stabilization Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is set to replace an earlier AU force in early 2025.

The ZFB-05 Xinxing armoured vehicles, a key component of the shipment, are Chinese infantry mobility vehicles primarily developed for the People’s Liberation Army Ground Force, the People’s Armed Police, and police forces, These vehicles are also used by Chinese UN peacekeepers and are exported to various countries. Their inclusion in the shipment suggests Somalia’s intent to enhance its military capabilities, particularly in operations against militant groups like Shabaab militia, which has long posed a threat to the country’s stability.

The timing of this shipment aligns with the upcoming transition to the new African Union Stabilization Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). On December 27, 2024, the UN Security Council approved a resolution authorizing the deployment of AUSSOM, which will operate for an initial period of one year with the primary goal of combating al-Shabaab militants.