Ankara (Dawan Africa) – Somali military officers have graduated from Turkey’s National Defence University War College in Ankara after completing advanced training on Saturday.
According to Somalia’s Ministry of Defence, the graduates include officers from the army, air force, and navy. Officials said the officers are expected to apply the skills acquired in Turkey to strengthen the Somali National Army and contribute to national security.
Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi presented certificates and medals to the Somali officers, praising their commitment and resilience throughout the programme.
The ceremony also marked the commissioning of 1,405 Turkish lieutenants — 928 from the Land Forces Academy, 278 from the Naval Academy, and 199 from the Air Force Academy — alongside 106 foreign cadets from allied countries, including Somalia.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, senior government officials, military commanders, and defence ministers from participating countries attended the event.
Turkey has trained hundreds of Somali personnel in recent years through military academies, advisory missions, and facilities in Mogadishu, underlining the ongoing bilateral defense cooperation between the two countries.