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In a formal ceremony held this Friday at the mission’s headquarters in Mogadishu, Brigadier General Elio Manes officially stepped into his new role as the commander of the European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM-S). This change in leadership comes at a pivotal moment for the nation, as the Somali government works tirelessly to transition away from international reliance and toward full ownership of its domestic safety and defense.
General Manes took over the reins from Brigadier General Sofia Westermark. According to European Union officials, this transition was a routine handover designed to maintain the steady momentum of the mission’s ongoing work. The EUTM-S is widely considered a cornerstone of Somalia’s broader effort to modernize its military and reform its security sector after years of instability.
Upon taking command, General Manes expressed his commitment to building on the foundation laid by his predecessors. He noted that his immediate priority is twofold: maintaining the quality of current training programs while also introducing more specialized support for Somali military leaders. The ultimate goal of this strategy is to empower local forces with the skills and organizational structure necessary to plan and execute complex security operations without outside assistance. Manes highlighted that the focus must remain on deepening the partnership between the EU and Somalia to ensure that the transition to local leadership is both smooth and sustainable.
Currently operating under its ninth mandate, the mission plays a multifaceted role in the country. Rather than just teaching basic combat skills, the EUTM-S provides high-level strategic advice to government institutions and offers mentorship to military officers. The focus is on creating a professional, accountable, and disciplined force that answers directly to the federal government. This institutional development is vital as Somalia continues its long-standing fight against the militant group al-Shabab and seeks to repair state structures that have been damaged by decades of internal conflict.
While much of the mission’s work has historically been concentrated in the capital city of Mogadishu, there is potential for growth. The current mandate includes provisions that could see training and mentoring expand into regional headquarters across the country. EU officials have clarified that any such move would depend on the political climate and the safety of the regions involved. Most importantly, any expansion would be guided by the specific needs and priorities of the Somali government, ensuring that military support reaches the soldiers serving on the front lines outside the capital.
As General Westermark departs, EU officials have been quick to praise her contributions. During her time in command, she was credited with strengthening the bond between international trainers and Somali authorities, ensuring that the EU’s efforts were perfectly in sync with Somalia’s own national security blueprints. With General Manes now at the helm, the mission enters its next phase with a clear objective: helping Somalia stand firmly on its own two feet.