President Hassan Sheikh thanks Türkiye for support as he hails Gorgor Forces’ success

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has praised Türkiye for its continued support to Somalia, particularly its role in training and equipping Somali security forces, while highlighting the achievements of the Turkish-trained Gorgor commandos.

Speaking during an event attended by Turkish and Somali officials, President Hassan Sheikh said Somalia should ensure that it does not disappoint the people and government of Türkiye, whom he described as longstanding supporters of the country.

“We must not disappoint the brothers who have stood by us. They are not seeking any reward, compensation, or service from us,” the president said.

He said Türkiye’s primary expectation from Somalia was for the country to succeed after years of conflict and instability.

“The people and Government of Türkiye, who have supported us, ask only one thing in return: that we succeed,” Hassan Sheikh said.

The president specifically praised the young Somali soldiers who received training and equipment in Türkiye before returning home to serve in Somalia.

“The young men you trained, equipped, and sent back home have succeeded and brought meaningful change to their country,” he said, describing their achievements as the reward Türkiye seeks from its support to Somalia.

Hassan Sheikh said the performance of the Gorgor forces was a source of pride and renewed hope for Somalis.

“For us Somalis, this is a source of pride and renewed hope. Gorgor has succeeded, and we look forward to seeing even greater achievements from them,” he said.

The Gorgor commandos are among Somalia’s elite military units and have received extensive training and support from Türkiye as part of the two countries’ broader defence and security cooperation.

Türkiye has played a major role in training Somali security forces, including through its military training facility in Mogadishu, as Somalia continues efforts to strengthen its national forces and gradually assume greater responsibility for the country’s security.

Mustaqbal