Somali President marks 66th anniversary of the national army

Sunday April 12, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia marked a major military milestone on Sunday as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud поздравulated members of the Somali National Army and their families on the force’s 66th anniversary.

At a ceremony in Mogadishu, Mohamud highlighted the army’s role in safeguarding the country and protecting civilians, saying its work remains a cornerstone of Somalia’s state-building drive.

“Heroes of the Somali National Army have saved 20 million Somalis. They do not only defend with weapons, but also provide assistance. The achievements they have made today will be written in history. Congratulations,” Mohamud said.

The president said the armed forces have made clear progress in recent years and argued that a capable military is vital to lasting stability. He also said that isolated misconduct by individuals should not be used to judge the institution as a whole.

Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, who attended the event, said the army has strengthened its operational capacity and recorded concrete gains, including the reopening of the strategic Mogadishu-Baidoa road after years of insecurity.

Somali National Army Commander Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud called the anniversary a proud occasion, describing the force as one defined by resilience and bravery.

Other senior officials at the ceremony repeated the president’s message, praising the army’s counterterrorism efforts and its wider support for communities affected by crises.

Established in 1960, the Somali National Army has been repeatedly reorganized through decades of conflict. In recent years, the government has stepped up reforms aimed at professionalizing the force and improving its ability to confront the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab insurgency.