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Somalia has celebrated a historic milestone as one of its own, Captain Mohamed Muse Mohamed, graduated from the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom — the first Somali officer to do so in 40 years. The achievement was marked with pride in Mogadishu, where Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi honored Captain Muse for his dedication and perseverance. The event, organized by the British Embassy, brought together high-ranking officials from both Somalia and the UK, including British Ambassador Charles King, UK Defence Attaché Captain James Edwards, and Somali National Army Deputy Commander Brigadier General Abdullahi Adan Hussein (Irro). For many in attendance, the moment stirred deep emotion, recalling a time when Somali officers trained abroad before the civil war shattered the nation’s once-proud military traditions.
Minister Fiqi described the graduation as a symbol of renewal and hope for Somalia’s armed forces. He said Captain Muse’s success was not just a personal victory, but a national one — a sign that the Somali National Army (SNA) is regaining its professionalism, discipline, and dignity. According to the minister, this milestone reflects the government’s broader mission to rebuild a self-reliant and capable military that can defend the nation without depending on foreign troops.
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, one of the world’s most respected officer training institutions, has trained generations of military leaders from across the globe. Somali officers once attended Sandhurst before the country’s collapse in the late 1980s disrupted such opportunities. The four-decade absence of Somali graduates from the academy mirrors the long struggle to restore the country’s military training systems and revive a unified, professional army. Captain Muse’s success now marks a new chapter in that journey.
Minister Fiqi also expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom for its continued support in Somalia’s security and defense reforms. He noted that such partnerships are vital as Somalia prepares to take full control of its security following the gradual withdrawal of the African Union peacekeeping mission. The British Embassy’s involvement in organizing the event underscored the strong defense cooperation between the two nations and the shared commitment to building a stable, secure Somalia.
Captain Muse’s graduation comes at a time when Somalia is pushing forward with military modernization efforts supported by international partners. Turkey’s TURKSOM training base in Mogadishu — its largest overseas facility — has trained thousands of Gorgor commandos and continues to expand into areas like maritime security. The United States has also been deeply involved, providing training for Danab commandos and helping to develop military bases and doctrine. Meanwhile, the European Union Training Mission (EUTM) continues to support Somalia’s defense institutions through advisory programs, and the United Arab Emirates has contributed by training Somali cadets. Additionally, soldiers have received training in Eritrea, further broadening the country’s network of defense partnerships.
Together, these efforts represent a collective push to rebuild a disciplined and skilled Somali National Army capable of protecting the country’s sovereignty. Captain Muse’s graduation, therefore, stands as both a personal achievement and a powerful national symbol — a reminder that Somalia’s path to rebuilding its military strength is well underway. His success rekindles the spirit of professionalism that once defined the Somali army and inspires a new generation of officers to follow in his footsteps.