PHOTOS: President Mohamud Presides Over Graduation of Newly Trained Somali Army Officers

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Friday presided over the graduation ceremony of a new cohort of officers from the Somali National Army (SNA), describing the event as another milestone in the country’s efforts to build a capable and professional national military.

The ceremony, held in Mogadishu, saw the President inspect a Guard of Honour before witnessing a military parade by the graduating officers.

Addressing the graduates, President Hassan Sheikh praised their discipline, professionalism and commitment throughout their training, urging them to uphold the values of integrity and patriotism as they take up their responsibilities within the armed forces.

He also expressed Somalia’s appreciation to the Republic of Türkiye for its continued support in strengthening the capacity and professionalism of the Somali National Army through training, equipment and institutional development.

Türkiye has emerged as one of Somalia’s closest security partners over the past decade. Since opening its largest overseas military training facility, the TURKSOM Military Academy, in Mogadishu in 2017, Ankara has trained thousands of Somali soldiers, non-commissioned officers and military officers.

The academy was established to help rebuild Somalia’s armed forces after decades of conflict, providing instruction in military leadership, infantry tactics, logistics, engineering and specialized military skills. Many graduates of the programme have gone on to serve in frontline operations against the militant group Al-Shabaab and in other security assignments across the country.

Beyond military training, Türkiye has supported Somalia’s security sector through defence cooperation, the provision of military equipment, infrastructure development and advisory support. The two countries have expanded their defence partnership in recent years under broader agreements covering security cooperation and capacity building.

The graduation comes as Somalia continues efforts to strengthen its national security institutions and increase the operational readiness of its armed forces as they assume greater responsibility for the country’s security following the gradual drawdown of international peacekeeping forces.

The Somali government has repeatedly stated that developing a professional, well-trained and self-reliant national army remains central to its long-term strategy for securing the country and defeating Al-Shabaab.