Saturday July 11, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday presided over the graduation ceremony for officers and deputy officers who completed a year-long military course at the TURKSOM academy in Mogadishu.
The president observed a formal parade featuring the newly commissioned officers, deputy officers and the units they will command.
President Mohamud lauded the graduates’ discipline, resilience and performance during training, calling them the next generation of leaders for the Somali National Army.
He urged them to carry out their duties with integrity, professionalism and devotion to the nation.
“The Federal Government of Somalia gives special priority to the reconstruction, modernization and upgrading of the Somali National Army, so that they have the power and skills to ensure national security, defend nationalism and eradicate Khawarij groups,” the president said.
President Mohamud expressed gratitude to the Turkish government for its ongoing assistance in building and strengthening Somalia’s armed forces.
He said Turkish support has been instrumental in forming a national army equipped with the capabilities and expertise required to meet Somalia’s security obligations.
TURKSOM, based in Mogadishu, is Turkey’s largest military training base and academy abroad.
The facility, operating since 2017, provides instruction to officers and noncommissioned officers of the Somali National Army.
It has trained thousands of Somali servicemen, including personnel from the elite Gorgor Commando Brigade and the Haramcad Special Police Unit.
