The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), through its largest overseas military training center—the Somalia Turkish Task Force Command—continues to train Somali officer and non-commissioned officer candidates, along with enlisted soldiers, laying the foundation for a modern Somali army.

Opened on September 30, 2017, in a ceremony attended by Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and then-Turkish Chief of General Staff General Hulusi Akar, the facility aims to support the restructuring and capacity-building of Somalia’s armed forces. The center includes the Somali Military Academy and the Non-Commissioned Officer School.

A Modern Campus by the Indian Ocean

Located along the Indian Ocean, the base is staffed by elite personnel from the TSK. In addition to military training, Somali cadets receive leadership education and are trained in accordance with the traditional standards of the Turkish Military Academy.

The facility, considered the most modern campus in Mogadishu, is equipped with a language lab, library, cinema, and a conference hall. Landscaping is underway, and trees planted by the soldiers themselves are beginning to green the grounds. A mosque, infirmary, and Turkish barber services also support daily needs.

Marching to the Izmir March

Somali cadets learning Turkish at the academy demonstrate strong reading, writing, and speaking skills. During morning roll call, conducted in military formation, they report to their commanders before beginning drills. Marching is often accompanied by the Somali National Anthem, as well as the Turkish “İzmir March” and “Harbiye March.”

Combat Training by Turkish Commandos

Training includes combat tactics, weapon handling, mine and IED awareness, anti-tank operations, heavy machine guns, marksmanship, and shooting. Physical fitness is developed through demanding obstacle courses, including the Italian pit and Irish table.

Turkish commandos provide specialized training in field tactics, including taking and changing positions under fire. Physical education sessions often end with games of football and basketball between Turkish trainers and Somali cadets.

Turkish Cuisine and Camaraderie

The base also meets the basic needs of the trainees, including food, accommodation, and hygiene. Meals are prepared by Turkish chefs and served alongside Turkish soldiers after a communal meal prayer. Dishes include classic Turkish staples such as yayla soup, beans, and rice, alongside local tropical fruits like papaya and watermelon.

Locally Produced Weapons and Gear

Somali soldiers train with Türkiye’s domestically produced MPT-76 rifle, known as one of the world’s best infantry weapons, capable of passing all 42 NATO-standard tests. TSK also provides specially designed tactical vests featuring satellite imagery of Somalia and the inscription “African Eagle” beneath Turkish and Somali flags.

Voices from the Ground: Grateful for Türkiye

Brigadier General Abdullahi Warsame Takar, Commander of the Somali Military Academy, urged families to send their youth to the school, emphasizing that Turkish-led training would produce a more disciplined and capable Somali army. “The Somali people love Türkiye very much,” he said.

Lieutenant Ibrahim Mohamed Ahmed, a Somali instructor, stressed that well-trained, patriotic soldiers will play a vital role in defending the country and maintaining stability. “Shared cultural and historical ties with Türkiye have enhanced our unity and made the training even more effective,” he added.

Hasan Abdullah Ahmed, a 19-year-old cadet, expressed gratitude for the training and Türkiye’s unwavering support: “Our homeland and our army will be stronger thanks to this training. Türkiye helped us 500 years ago during the Ottoman era and is helping us again today. Türkiye and Somalia are brothers.”

Muhyiddin Mohamed Tifou, a student at the NCO School, added: “Türkiye is a true friend. You have always stood by us in difficult times. We thank the Turkish people and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. We love Türkiye very much.”

Türkiye’s Broader Contribution to Regional Peace

The Turkish military unit stationed in Mogadishu became operational on August 22, 2017. Türkiye also contributes to international efforts against piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast by participating in Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151) and deploying naval assets in the region. Türkiye has served as commander of CTF-151 four times.

With its extensive training, logistical, and humanitarian support, Türkiye continues to play a vital role in Somalia’s recovery and regional peace.