MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, on Sunday expressed special gratitude to Turkey for its sustained support in the fight against Al-Shabaab and in rebuilding the country’s long-fractured national army.
Speaking during the commemoration of the 66th anniversary of the Somali National Army, Mohamud singled out Turkey for its consistent role in strengthening Somali forces. His remarks came shortly after Turkish F-16 fighter jets were seen flying over Mogadishu as part of the anniversary events, underscoring Ankara’s visible presence and partnership.
While acknowledging a range of international allies, the president’s tone reserved particular emphasis for Turkey. He also extended appreciation – though with less prominence – to other partners, including the United States, the African Union, Uganda and Ethiopia.
Mohamud noted that without the backing of these partners, Somalia’s federal government would not have been able to function or rebuild its military institutions. He reflected at length on the country’s prolonged and difficult state-building process, recalling periods when top government leaders – including the president, prime minister and speaker of parliament – relied on foreign peacekeepers for their own security.
The president also paid tribute to African Union troops, especially those from Uganda and Ethiopia. He highlighted the sacrifices made by these countries, whose governments have deployed thousands of soldiers to Somalia under bilateral arrangements, bearing the financial burden themselves.
Over the years, he said, valuable military equipment from these contributing nations has been destroyed in ongoing conflict. He added that despite these losses, they have remained committed to supporting Somalia’s recovery and stabilization efforts, continuing to secure vast areas that troops under the African Union mission framework alone would have struggled to hold.
Contact us: info@somaliguardian.com
