Somali Army’s Potential in Tackling Threats: A Deep Dive

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia stands at a pivotal moment in its history, where potential and ambition converge with unprecedented challenges. The Somali National Army (SNA) is, according to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), ready to bear the mantle of safeguarding the nation. As we mark the 65th anniversary of the SNA, there’s an air of hopeful anticipation mixed with a solemn remembrance of a tumultuous past. Can this force carry the weighty responsibility that history has thrust upon it?

The narrative of the SNA is one of resilience and modernization. The African Union, recognizing the army’s potential, has hailed it as a burgeoning defender against violent extremist factions such as Al-Shabaab. “The SNA has the capability to not just protect but to transform the security landscape,” articulates Sivuyile Bam, the Acting Head of AUSSOM, with a conviction that resonates with an audience yearning for lasting peace.

Imagine being on the frontline. Every day, SNA soldiers don their uniforms with a resolve molded by years of conflict, hardship, and hope. Their fight is not just against men with weapons but against an ideology that seeks to destabilize and distort the dreams of ordinary Somalis. On this significant anniversary, AUSSOM pays homage to these courageous individuals. “Each soldier’s sacrifice is a step closer to liberation,” Bam expressed, casting a light on individual heroism amidst widespread turmoil.

But beliefs and well-wishes alone do not secure a nation. Partnerships with international allies have been paramount. Bam acknowledges, “The unwavering collaboration with the Federal Government of Somalia, coupled with targeted interventions to secure supply routes and reclaim territories from insurgents, is crucial.” Every tool, every piece of equipment provided by partners like the United States and Turkey fortifies the backbone of the Army.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud embodies the nation’s undying spirit of rebirth and stability. Yet, one question lingers: Are we investing enough in Somalia’s future at the international level? “Expanding our support isn’t merely an altruistic gesture; it is a wise investment in global peace,” some suggest. This thought echoes as a gentle reminder, almost a plea, to the wider international community.

Let’s turn the lens to Maaro, an SNA soldier whose story was once recounted in Mogadishu’s bustling marketplaces. He chuckles as he reminisces about the laughter of children playing football with makeshift balls in the narrow lanes of his hometown. Despite the trials, or maybe because of them, Somalia thrives on simple joys and resilience. Years have passed, and Maaro remains on the frontlines, a symbol of hope and resistance. His story reinforces a poignant truth: The heartbeat of Somalia is its people, unified and determined.

In the backdrop of these political and military dynamics lies a country rich in culture and community, ever determined to reclaim its narrative. Somalia’s story is interwoven with tales of courage, the lived experiences of its people, and a mosaic of international support fostering a shared vision for peace.

At this juncture, we ponder not just Somalia’s future but our collective responsibility towards it. As we embrace the future, the partnership between the Somali National Army and its allies stands as a testament to what unity in the face of adversity can achieve.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring