By Maher Ahmed - Reporter
MOGADISHU (Dawan Africa) – Somalia’s Minister of Defence Ahmed Moallim Fiqi on Friday called on newly graduated officers of the Somali National Army to embrace the responsibilities of military leadership, telling them that the ranks they earned symbolize duty, sacrifice and service to the nation.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the 8th Officer Cadet Class at the TURKSOM Military Academy in Mogadishu, Fiqi said the officers were joining the ranks of soldiers who had dedicated themselves to restoring peace and defending Somalia.
“The stars pinned to your shoulders today are not mere decorations; they are a profound symbol of responsibility,” the minister told the graduates.
He said the newly commissioned officers were following in the footsteps of soldiers who had defended the country and contributed to improving national security, adding that they would now shoulder the responsibility of leading future generations of the Somali National Army.
“The Somali National Army is the bedrock of our nation’s very existence,” Fiqi said. “You are the leaders of tomorrow, the ones who must make critical decisions when your country needs you most.”
The minister outlined three principles that should guide every officer throughout their military career.
First, he urged the graduates to remain devoted to their faith.
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“Fear Allah. Just as each of you fulfills your duty to the nation, we must all faithfully discharge the religious obligations that Allah has commanded of us,” he said.
Secondly, Fiqi called on the officers to remain unwaveringly loyal to Somalia and its Constitution.
Finally, he instructed them to strictly observe military regulations, discipline and professional standards, saying respect for the armed forces’ code of conduct is essential to building a capable, professional and respected national army.
The graduation ceremony was presided over by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who urged the graduates to reject calls for conflict and emphasized that Somalia’s security can only be protected through legitimate state institutions rather than armed individuals.
The event was attended by Commander of the Turkish Land Forces General Metin Tokel, who arrived in Mogadishu on Friday on an official visit, alongside senior Turkish military officials, senior Somali government leaders and commanders of the Somali National Army, underscoring the deepening defence partnership between Somalia and Türkiye.
Established in 2017, the Turkish-run TURKSOM Military Academy has become one of Somalia’s principal military training institutions, producing thousands of officers and soldiers to strengthen the Somali National Army as the country continues security operations against Al-Shabaab and broader security sector reforms.