Italian General Ivan Falasca Takes Command of EU Training Mission in Somalia

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU:talian Brigadier General Ivan Falasca has formally taken command of the European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia), succeeding Brigadier General Elio Manes as the mission continues its training and advisory support to Somalia’s defence institutions.

Falasca assumed command during a ceremony in Mogadishu presided over by Lieutenant General Michiel van der Laan, Director of the EU’s Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC).

Somalia’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, attended the ceremony alongside ambassadors, Somali civilian and military officials, representatives of international organisations and other security partners.

During the handover, Manes was awarded the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy Medal for Extraordinary Meritorious Service in recognition of his contribution to peace, security and stability in Somalia.

The change of command comes as EUTM Somalia continues efforts to strengthen the Somali military through training, mentoring and strategic advice, with increasing emphasis on building Somali-owned defence capabilities.

Under the outgoing command, the mission delivered 18 courses and seminars covering security, healthcare, information technology, engineering and maritime security. The activities involved personnel from both the Somali security forces and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), working with international partners.

EUTM Somalia also resumed activities at its Training Area after operating-cost issues that had affected activities were resolved.

Between January and September 2026, the mission coordinated and supported 11 training events involving 626 participants. They included the Basic Officers Course, counter-improvised explosive device training and live-fire exercises, as well as courses covering logistics, fuel management and information technology.

Reflecting on his tenure, Manes said cooperation and Somali ownership had been central to the mission’s work.

“I am proud of what we have accomplished together. But I am even more proud of the relationships we have built: relationships based on trust, mutual respect and a shared determination to contribute to Somalia’s future,” he said.

Falasca takes over as Somalia continues a broader security transition aimed at increasing the responsibility of national forces while AUSSOM and other international partners provide support.

His command will oversee EUTM Somalia’s advising, mentoring and training activities and its coordination with Somali defence authorities, AUSSOM and other international security partners.

The mission’s work includes leadership and command-and-control development, counter-IED, medical and logistics training, as well as strategic advice to Somalia’s defence authorities. A key objective is to help establish sustainable Somali-owned military training and institutional systems.

EUTM Somalia has operated in the country since 2010 as part of the European Union’s security engagement in Somalia. Its current mandate runs until February 28, 2027.