Inside Somalia’s Military Transformation: Insights from a Government Official

Somalia is embarking on an ambitious military transformation, rebuilding its armed forces from the ground up. In an exclusive interview, a senior Somali government official shared insights into this process, particularly the efforts to revive the nation’s air force and naval capabilities.
During the President’s recent visit to Asmara, Eritrea, the official revealed that Somali troops are undergoing extensive training there. Notably, the air force and naval personnel are the primary focus of this training program. Hundreds of university graduates are nearing the completion of their training in the coming months, set to join the ranks of Somalia’s revitalized air force and navy.
The official highlighted the significance of this development, stating, “Our air force and navy were once among the best, but they were destroyed during the civil war. Now, the government is determined to rebuild these vital branches of our military.”
Eritrea has played a crucial role in providing training facilities, an opportunity that few countries offer Somalia. The official expressed gratitude for Eritrea’s support, calling it a “great achievement” that will bring joy to the Somali people.
In addition to Eritrea, Somalia has also partnered with Turkey to strengthen its naval capabilities. A recent agreement aims to make Somalia’s navy one of the strongest in the region within the next five years.
The official emphasized the importance of a well-equipped and trained military for Somalia’s security and development. “Without a force to protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity, no infrastructure like roads, ports, or housing can be built or sustained,” they said.
Addressing concerns about potential foreign military bases in Somalia, the official clarified that Somalia is a sovereign nation with the right to accept or reject any proposals. They dismissed rumors of an Egyptian military base, stating that Somalia’s relationships with countries like Egypt are based on mutual respect and cooperation.
As Somalia continues its military transformation, the official expressed optimism about the nation’s future security and stability. The rebuilding of the air force, navy, and other branches is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring Somalia’s territorial integrity and enabling sustainable development.