The Somali army celebrates its founding anniversary with impressive military parades in Mogadishu.
Somalia celebrates its youth and their national role
Written by: Mohammed Omran
In a scene reflecting the state's efforts to enhance security and stability, he revived Somalia The sixty-sixth anniversary of the founding of the National Army was marked with a large official celebration in the capital, Mogadishu, in the presence of senior political and military leaders, amid government assurances of continued development of the armed forces and support for efforts to combat armed groups.
The event featured military and air displays, coinciding with official praise for the role the army plays in confronting security challenges, especially in light of ongoing operations against Al-Shabaab and ISIS, as part of a plan to rebuild the military institution and enhance its capabilities with continuous international support.
Somalia honors the legacy of youth on the anniversary of the founding of the Somali Youth Unity Party
Somalia commemorated the 66th anniversary of the founding of the National Army with a high-level official ceremony held in Mogadishu, attended by senior government and military officials.
The celebration included a military parade presented by units of the Somali army, in which fighter jets and helicopters flew over the capital, Mogadishu.
Speakers at the ceremony included President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Afki, and Army Commander Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud.
Somalia is reclaiming the legacy of the Youth Unity Party.
In his speech during the ceremony, the Minister of Defense highlighted recent military gains against armed groups, including operations that extended from Mogadishu to Baidoa.
He noted that the army's history is full of sacrifices and resilience, adding that great rebuilding efforts are underway with the support of international partners such as the United States, Turkey and the African Union Mission to Support Stabilization in Somalia.
President Mahmoud praised the armed forces for their role in protecting civilians during difficult times, stressing that national stability depends on a competent army, and warned that any individual or group that undermines the country’s progress will be treated as an enemy of the state.
The President also affirmed the government's commitment to supporting wounded soldiers and enhancing military capabilities, noting that available resources would be directed towards their care and professional development.
Medals were awarded to a number of members of the forces in recognition of their contributions to security operations against groups such as Al-Shabaab and ISIS.
The Somali National Army was founded on April 12, 1960, and has undergone several phases of transformation. Authorities assert that current reforms aim to restore its operational strength through modern equipment, training, and institutional support.
Information about Somalia
Somalia is located in East Africa, within the Horn of Africa region. It is bordered by the Gulf of Aden to the north, the Indian Ocean to the east, Ethiopia to the west, Kenya to the south, and Djibouti to the northwest. Mogadishu is the capital and largest city.
Somalia has a population of approximately 20 million people, according to the latest United Nations estimates published in the World Counter database for 2026.
Somalia's independence was officially achieved on July 1, 1960, following the unification of the two parts of the country: British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland, thus creating the independent Somali Republic. Historical sources indicate that the Somali National Army was established a few months before full independence, on April 12, 1960.
