By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
MOGADISHU (Dawan Africa) – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Friday called on Somalia’s newest military officers to safeguard peace and national unity, warning against those who incite conflict and emphasizing that the country’s security can only be guaranteed through strong state institutions.
Addressing graduates of the 8th Officer Cadet Class at the Turkish-run TURKSOM Military Academy in Mogadishu, the president urged the officers to remain disciplined, uphold their constitutional responsibilities and serve the Somali people with integrity.
“Do not lend your ear to the coward who clamors for conflict and seeks to spill Somali blood; he is merely a coward who is terrified of peace,” Hassan Sheikh said.
The president said true courage lies in understanding the devastating consequences of war and working to prevent it.
“A truly brave person respects the dangers of conflict, refrains from it, and actively guards against anything that might provoke it,” he said.
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He contrasted that with those who promote violence, saying they fail to understand the destruction war brings and show little concern for the country’s future.
“The dignity and welfare of our people can only be protected and defended through formal statehood,” the president said, adding that “a lone individual walking around with an AK-47 in his hand can neither protect the public nor serve their best interests.”
Hassan Sheikh told the newly commissioned officers that they have a responsibility to strengthen Somalia’s national institutions and continue building a professional army capable of defending the country’s sovereignty, constitutional order and territorial integrity.
The graduation ceremony was attended by Commander of the Turkish Land Forces General Metin Tokel, who arrived in Mogadishu on Friday on an official visit, together with senior Turkish military officials. Senior Somali government officials, commanders of the Somali National Army and representatives of Türkiye also participated in the ceremony, underscoring the close defence partnership between the two countries.
TURKSOM, established by Türkiye in 2017, has become Somalia’s principal military training academy, producing thousands of officers, non-commissioned officers and elite soldiers as part of efforts to rebuild the Somali National Army. The graduates are expected to reinforce ongoing operations against Al-Shabaab and support broader security sector reforms.