MOGADISHU – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has addressed a cohort of officers and deputy officers who successfully completed their military training at the TURKSOM Military Academy, urging them to serve with dedication and professionalism as the future leadership of the Somali National Army.
The President, who reviewed a military parade held by the graduates and their instructors, praised their effort, resilience, and discipline throughout the training period. He emphasized that these officers represent the next generation of military leadership, expected to serve their nation with integrity, knowledge, and patriotism.
President Mohamud has previously attended graduation ceremonies at the TURKSOM academy, commending soldiers for excelling in their training as part of the ongoing partnership with Turkey to strengthen Somalia’s defence capabilities.
Modernising the National Army
President Mohamud reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the reconstruction, modernisation, and professionalisation of the Somali National Army. He stated that the government is prioritising the development of a capable and skilled military force to secure the country, defend national sovereignty, and eliminate extremist groups.
Since its establishment in September 2017, the Somali Turkish Task Force Command has trained over 5,000 Somali security personnel, with the programme growing into one of the most influential foreign-led military initiatives in the country. The training includes urban warfare tactics, physical endurance, weapons handling, and counter-terror operations.
The Role of TURKSOM in Somalia’s Security
The TURKSOM Military Academy, established through defence cooperation between Somalia and Turkey, has become a cornerstone of the country’s security sector reform. Graduates of the academy, including elite units such as the Gorgor commandos, have been deployed across frontlines in HirShabelle, Galmudug, and Jubbaland.
The Gorgor Battalion has become one of Somalia’s most respected fighting units, known for its discipline, mobility, and front-line engagement against militant groups. Turkey has been a central partner in revamping Somalia’s military infrastructure, training thousands of soldiers and equipping units deployed across key regions.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has previously presided over graduation ceremonies for Turkish-trained Somali commandos, describing them as a powerful reflection of the strong cooperation between Somalia and Turkey in equipping forces with the skills and discipline needed to face terrorism and maintain national security.
Gratitude for Turkish Support
The President thanked the brotherly Republic of Turkey for its continued support in developing and professionalising Somali forces. He noted that Turkey’s assistance has played a visible role in building a national army with the skills and capability to respond to the country’s security challenges.
Previous graduations of non-commissioned officers from the TURKSOM academy have marked steps in strengthening the capabilities of the Somali military through advanced training.
Way Forward
The graduation of the new cohort of officers underscores the ongoing transformation of Somalia’s military under the TURKSOM programme. As the government continues to prioritise security sector reform, the professionalisation of the national army remains central to its strategy for achieving long-term stability and reducing dependency on foreign peacekeeping forces. The partnership with Turkey is expected to continue playing a pivotal role in this process.
Recommended Reading On ftlsomalia.com:
- President Mohamud Attends Graduation Ceremony at Mogadishu’s TurkSom Military Academy
- PM Barre Oversees Graduation of Turkish-Trained Somali Commandos
- Elite Gorgor Forces Graduate in Mogadishu, Boosting Somalia’s Anti-Terror Push
- Türkiye’s Training Mission Reshapes Somalia’s Security Forces
- 38 Non-Commissioned SNA Officers Graduate from TURKSOM Military Academy
