President Hassan Sheikh Graduates Thousands of Soldiers in Xananbuure

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Commander-in-Chief of the Somali Armed Forces, has officially graduated thousands of soldiers who completed their basic military training at the Xananbuure training camp in the Galguduud region. The soldiers, who underwent nearly a year of intensive training, represent the largest single cohort to complete military training inside Somalia since the collapse of the central government in 1991.

The graduation ceremony marks a significant milestone in Somalia’s efforts to rebuild its national army and reduce reliance on foreign troops. The soldiers were recruited from across all federal member states and received comprehensive training in military skills, discipline, military law, combat tactics, and the knowledge required to carry out national duties.

President Hassan Sheikh addressed the graduates, describing them as a symbol of the restoration of statehood and the rebuilding of the Somali National Army. He said their graduation inside the country, rather than abroad, demonstrates progress in Somalia’s efforts to develop a self-sufficient military capability.

The President urged the soldiers to uphold the discipline and integrity of the armed forces, protect the unity and sovereignty of the nation, and carry out their duties with honesty, patriotism, and responsibility.