Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attended the graduation ceremony of a new group of Somali National Army officers who completed advanced military training at the TURKSOM Military Training Academy in Mogadishu, as the government continues efforts to strengthen the country’s security forces.

The ceremony marked the completion of professional military training for the officers, who are expected to join various units of the Somali National Army and support ongoing operations against the Al-Shabaab militant group.

Addressing the graduates, Hassan Sheikh congratulated the newly commissioned officers and urged them to uphold discipline, professionalism, and loyalty to the nation.

He emphasized the importance of protecting Somalia’s sovereignty and serving the public with integrity as the country works to improve security and expand state authority.

The TURKSOM Military Training Academy, established through defense cooperation between Somalia and Turkey, has become one of the country’s principal military training institutions.

Since its inauguration, the academy has trained thousands of Somali soldiers, non-commissioned officers, and commissioned officers under internationally recognized military standards.

The graduation comes as the Somali government continues to rebuild and modernize the Somali National Army while preparing additional forces for future security operations.

Authorities say strengthening locally trained military personnel remains a key pillar of Somalia’s long-term strategy to assume full responsibility for national security following the gradual transition from international peacekeeping support.