Somalia Graduates New Military Officers as Turkish Army Chief Visits Mogadishu
Somalia has graduated a new class of military officers and non-commissioned officers at the TURKSOM Military Training Academy as Turkish Land Forces Commander General Metin Tokel visited Mogadishu, highlighting the growing defence partnership between Somalia and Türkiye.
MOGADISHU (Somali Report) — Turkish Land Forces Commander General Metin Tokel arrived in Mogadishu on Friday for a high-level official visit that underscored the deepening military partnership between Somalia and Türkiye as the country continues rebuilding its armed forces.
General Tokel was welcomed at Aden Abdulle International Airport by the Commander of the Somali National Army Land Forces, Major General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, during a military reception attended by senior Somali and Turkish defence officials.
The visit coincided with the graduation ceremony of the 8th batch of Somali National Army officers and non-commissioned officers at the TURKSOM Military Training Academy, one of Türkiye’s largest overseas military training facilities and the cornerstone of Ankara’s security partnership with Somalia.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud presided over the graduation ceremony, congratulating the newly commissioned officers and praising their discipline, commitment and professionalism. He described them as the future commanders of the Somali National Army and urged them to serve the country with integrity, patriotism and professionalism.
The president reaffirmed that rebuilding and modernising Somalia’s armed forces remains one of the federal government’s highest priorities as the country continues efforts to assume full responsibility for its own security.
“The officers graduating today represent the future leadership of our armed forces,” President Mohamud said, adding that Somalia remains committed to developing a professional military capable of defending the country’s sovereignty and defeating extremist groups.
General Tokel’s visit is expected to focus on expanding cooperation in military training, operational planning, institutional development and the exchange of military expertise between the two countries.
According to Somali officials, the discussions are aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the Somali National Army as military operations continue against Al-Shabaab across several regions of the country.
Türkiye has become Somalia’s most significant defence partner over the past decade. Since opening the TURKSOM Military Training Academy in 2017, Ankara has trained thousands of Somali soldiers and officers while providing equipment, technical support and institutional assistance to help rebuild Somalia’s security sector.
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The military academy has become one of East Africa’s largest defence training facilities, producing successive generations of Somali officers trained in leadership, infantry tactics, military planning, logistics and command responsibilities.
Beyond training, Turkish military assistance has included armored vehicles, communications systems, specialised equipment and advisory support for Somalia’s armed forces. Turkish instructors continue to provide advanced military education for several elite Somali units operating against Al-Shabaab.
The defence relationship has also expanded into maritime security. Turkish officials have supported efforts to rebuild Somalia’s navy through officer training, technical cooperation and maritime security assistance aimed at protecting Somalia’s long coastline and strategic waters.
Military cooperation between the two countries extends beyond battlefield operations. Turkish support has also focused on strengthening military institutions, improving logistics systems and building long-term professional capacity within Somalia’s defence establishment.
General Tokel’s visit comes as Somalia gradually takes greater responsibility for national security while international partners continue reducing their direct military role in the country. Somali officials view continued Turkish support as critical to achieving a modern, self-reliant and professional national army.
Analysts say the regular exchange of senior military delegations demonstrates the strategic importance both governments place on their defence partnership.
As Somalia continues military reforms and operations against Al-Shabaab, Friday’s visit reinforced Ankara’s long-term commitment to supporting Somalia’s security institutions.
For both countries, the visit signals that military cooperation remains central to a broader strategic relationship that now spans defence, infrastructure, education, health and economic development—making Türkiye one of Somalia’s closest international partners.
About the Author
Fatuma Taxadar Yusuf is the Editor-in-Chief of Somali Report. She was the first woman to serve as an editor and media managing director in Somalia’s Puntland State. Previously, she worked with the BBC World Service and other leading media organizations in Somalia. She also serves as Deputy Chairperson of the Somalia Media Council, an independent body that regulates media standards and professional conduct in Somalia.