Somalia marks Army Day, highlighting stability and progress efforts

by BRIAN ORUTAMonday April 13, 2026

Somalia celebrated the 66th anniversary of the Somali National Army (SNA) on Monday with a prominent ceremony in Mogadishu that projected a message of confidence in the country’s security gains.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud joined Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Army Commander Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud, and other senior civilian and military officials at the event.

A military parade featuring armored vehicles, aircraft, and traditional displays highlighted what officials described as the army’s expanding operational capabilities.

More than a ceremonial gathering, the anniversary was framed as a reminder of the military’s central role in Somalia’s long effort to defeat instability and insurgency and reassert state authority.

Officials said the commemoration reflected steady progress in restoring control over the country’s security and governance institutions.

President Mohamud stressed the importance of the armed forces to Somalia’s future, saying, “Our armed forces are the shield of our nation and the foundation upon which Somalia’s peaceful and prosperous future will be built.”

His comments echoed the government’s wider drive to build on recent security improvements and reinforce national institutions.

One of the day’s notable announcements was the launch of an Orphans Care Agency to provide support for the families of soldiers killed in action.

Authorities said the initiative honors the sacrifices of service members while reaffirming the state’s responsibility to care for their dependents.

Officials have pointed in recent months to a noticeable decline in large-scale attacks by the militant group al-Shabaab.

They attribute the improvement to sustained military operations and closer coordination with regional partners. Although they say threats remain, they describe the calmer security environment as evidence of a more effective Somali National Army and a more unified national security approach.

Brigadier General Mahmoud said the armed forces have made tangible gains in the past year. “Over the past year, our forces have made significant advances in dismantling terrorist networks, reclaiming key territories, and protecting our people. These efforts have directly contributed to the reduction in Al-Shabaab attacks and improved security across the country,” he said.

Somalia’s instability has long had consequences beyond its borders, disrupting trade, driving displacement, and fueling insecurity across the wider Horn of Africa.

For that reason, officials and analysts alike view a stronger national army as essential not only to Somalia’s recovery but also to regional stability, and potentially to a reduced need for international peacekeeping support.

In another sign of progress tied to improved security, leaders also inaugurated a 250-kilometre road linking Baidoa and Mogadishu.

Officials said the new infrastructure is expected to ease the movement of people, goods, and services, reinforcing the link between security and economic development.

The anniversary ended with fresh vows from government and military leaders to keep pushing forward with efforts to stabilize the country and strengthen resilient national institutions.