Mogadishu, Somalia — A new contingent of Somali military personnel has officially commenced adaptation training at the Anatolia Barracks, overseen by the Turkish Task Force in Somalia. The development comes just days after the soldiers were sworn in during a ceremony in Mogadishu, marking another step in Somalia’s ongoing efforts to rebuild a professional and self-reliant national army.
The program, facilitated under the framework of Türkiye’s long-term defense cooperation with Somalia, focuses on discipline, operational readiness, and tactical adaptation. Trainees will undergo intensive courses designed to strengthen their combat skills, enhance coordination, and instill modern military standards aligned with international practices.
Turkish officers at the Anatolia Barracks highlighted that the training not only emphasizes battlefield preparedness but also leadership, unit cohesion, and the protection of civilian populations during operations.
“Our objective is to ensure Somali soldiers are equipped with both the technical and ethical foundations of professional soldiering,” a senior Turkish trainer noted.
Somali defense officials hailed the training initiative as a vital part of the country’s security transition, especially as the African Union peacekeeping mission gradually winds down. Defense experts stress that partnerships like the one with Türkiye are essential for Somalia to close the capability gap and take full control of its security responsibilities.
The swearing-in ceremony earlier this week symbolized a renewed commitment by Somalia’s leadership to build a national army that is unified, disciplined, and capable of safeguarding the country from terrorism and other security threats.
With the start of this latest training cycle, Somali authorities expressed optimism that the soldiers will emerge ready to reinforce ongoing counterterrorism operations and contribute to long-term stability in the Horn of Africa.