President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro has been actively engaging in initiatives to strengthen Somaliland’s armed forces through education and strategic partnerships. In line with this commitment, he recently met with officers from the Somaliland National Forces who have been awarded prestigious scholarships to study in Taiwan. During this meeting, President Irro praised their excellence and reaffirmed Somaliland’s dedication to enhancing its military capabilities through educational advancements and international collaborations.
This initiative aligns with President Irro’s broader efforts to modernize the military. In January 2025, he appointed Lieutenant General Nimcaan Yusuf Osman Gaaxnuug as the new military commander. Notably, Gaaxnuug is pursuing a PhD in advanced military studies at a university in Taiwan, reflecting the administration’s emphasis on higher education and specialized training for military leadership.
Furthermore, President Irro has pledged to build a modern, well-trained military force equipped with advanced weaponry. He emphasized the importance of securing Somaliland’s borders, airspace, and seas, and has initiated plans to increase soldiers’ salaries and draft new military laws.
These efforts underscore the administration’s commitment to strengthening Somaliland’s defense capabilities through education and strategic international partnerships, with Taiwan playing a significant role in this endeavor.