GALGADUUD — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Commander-in-Chief of the Somali Armed Forces, on Sunday presided over the graduation of newly trained units of the Somali National Army (SNA) at the Xananbuure Military Training School in Galgaduud region.

The ceremony was attended by senior federal and regional officials, including Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Somali National Army Chief Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye “Qoorqoor”, and other government and security officials.

President Mohamud and the accompanying delegation reviewed a military parade and a series of field demonstrations showcasing the skills and operational capabilities acquired by the troops during their training.

Addressing the graduating soldiers, the President called on the armed forces to intensify ongoing operations against militant groups and underscored the military’s central role in safeguarding Somalia’s security, stability and sovereignty.

Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi urged the soldiers to apply the knowledge and skills gained during their training in the service of the country, emphasizing the importance of operational readiness, discipline, cohesion and accountability.

The army chief also called on the troops to uphold the professionalism, reputation and integrity of the Somali National Army, while maintaining discipline, unity and commitment to their constitutional and national responsibilities.

The newly trained personnel were recruited from different regions across Somalia. Officials described the cohort as one of the largest groups of soldiers to receive advanced military training inside the country since the collapse of the central government in 1991.

The training programme covered military discipline and regulations, combat tactics, operational preparedness and other core skills aimed at strengthening the soldiers’ ability to carry out national security and defence duties.

The graduation comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to expand and professionalise the Somali National Army and strengthen its capacity to assume greater responsibility for security operations across the country.