Somalia’s Defence Minister Attends EUTM-Somalia Command Handover Ceremony.

Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, today attended a formal handover ceremony for the European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM-S), marking the transfer of command to the newly appointed Mission Commander, General Marco Manzone.

The ceremony, held on Friday at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Mogadishu, was attended by officials from the Somali National Army (SNA), representatives of the EU, and members of the international diplomatic corps.

In his remarks, Minister Fiqi congratulated General Manzone on his new appointment and expressed appreciation for the European Union’s continued support to Somalia’s defence sector. He underscored the importance of the EUTM’s role in enhancing the capacity of Somali forces, especially in professional military training and institutional reform.

“We are confident that under our partnership will grow stronger in advancing the professionalism and effectiveness of the Somali National Army,” Minister Fiqi stated.

The European Union Training Mission has played a central role in rebuilding Somalia’s military since its deployment in 2010, training thousands of Somali troops and assisting with defence strategy development and security sector reform.

General Manzone, who succeeds his predecessor in leading the mission, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to strengthening Somalia’s military institutions and supporting long-term stability in the country.

The handover comes at a critical time, as Somalia prepares to fully assume responsibility for its national security.

Mustaqbal