MOGADISHU — Brig. Gen. Elio Manes assumed command Friday of the European Union Training Mission in Somalia, a handover EU officials said keeps momentum behind Somalia’s push to take greater responsibility for its own security.
Manes took over from Brig. Gen. Sofia Westermark during a formal ceremony at EUTM-S headquarters in Mogadishu. The transfer followed standard operational procedures to ensure continuity in a mission EU officials describe as central to Somalia’s long-term security reform and institution-building.
- Advertisement -
In his first remarks as commander, Manes said he will consolidate existing training programs while expanding tailored support to Somali counterparts, with the goal of enabling Somali forces to plan and conduct operations independently. “I am honored to take command of EUTM-S at this important moment,” he said. “Our focus will be to deepen cooperation with Somali partners so they can increasingly lead their own security efforts.”
Now operating under its ninth mandate, the European Union Training Mission in Somalia focuses on building professional, accountable Somali security forces aligned with the federal government’s priorities. The mission provides strategic advice to security institutions in Mogadishu and delivers mentoring in military training and institutional development—work EU officials say is designed to strengthen command, control and sustainability across the security sector.
EUTM-S is intended to complement broader international support to Somalia as the government battles the Islamist militant group al-Shabab and rebuilds state institutions weakened by decades of conflict. EU officials say the mission’s civilian-military advisory model is geared toward embedding standards and practices that improve effectiveness and accountability while remaining responsive to Somali-led plans.
The current mandate also allows for a possible expansion of activities beyond Mogadishu to regional headquarters, subject to political approval and conditions on the ground. Any extension, EU officials said, would be guided by Somali priorities and aim to ensure training and mentoring reach forces operating outside the capital, where needs can differ from those in Mogadishu.
Westermark, who led the mission during a period of intensified cooperation with Somali authorities, handed over command as part of the EU’s regular rotation of senior leadership. Officials praised her tenure, citing progress in aligning training with Somali-led security plans and strengthening ties with national counterparts.
The leadership change underscores a broader objective: keeping steady support in place while Somali forces assume more responsibility for planning, logistics and operations. Under Manes, EUTM-S is expected to continue emphasizing institutional development alongside field training—an approach the EU says helps Somali units retain skills, improve coordination and enhance readiness for ongoing security challenges.
EU officials did not announce new initiatives on Friday but said the mission’s priorities remain consistent: advising key security institutions, mentoring instructors and staff, and refining training to match Somalia’s evolving operational needs. That focus, they say, is intended to accelerate a transition in which Somali forces direct their own security efforts, with international partners supporting rather than leading.
The handover in Mogadishu marks continuity rather than a reset for EUTM-S. Manes framed his tenure as a commitment to deepen existing partnerships and scale support where needed, keeping the mission aligned with Somalia’s agenda for professional, accountable forces capable of securing the country over the long term.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
