Reporting by: HAN News Desk
KIGALI — Major General Sahal Abdulahi Omer, Commander of Somalia’s Land Forces, visited Kigali this week for a high-level meeting with his Rwandan counterpart, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral military cooperation and enhancing the operational capacity of both nations’ armed forces.
During the meeting, the two commanders explored several key areas of collaboration, including joint training programs for military personnel, the exchange of combat experiences and strategic knowledge, and improving operational coordination in field operations. A particular emphasis was placed on counterterrorism efforts, reflecting the shared challenge both countries face in maintaining regional security and combating extremist threats.
General Sahal highlighted the importance of Rwanda’s ongoing support to Somalia’s National Defence Force, particularly in providing training, technical assistance, and strategic guidance. “This partnership is crucial for enhancing the capabilities of our forces, building a modern and professional military, and ensuring peace and stability in Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa,” he said.
The Somali commander also praised Rwanda’s proactive role in regional security initiatives and expressed hope that this cooperation would continue to expand, encompassing more joint exercises, training missions, and operational collaboration in the future. Major General Nyakarundi welcomed Somalia’s commitment to partnership, noting that shared expertise and close coordination are essential for tackling contemporary security threats.
Analysts say that this meeting reflects Somalia’s broader effort to strengthen its military institutions following decades of instability and ongoing security challenges. Somalia’s National Defence Force has increasingly sought partnerships with regional allies to improve its training, logistics, and operational effectiveness, particularly in counterterrorism operations against Al-Shabaab and other armed groups.
The engagement also underscores the strategic importance of regional cooperation in East Africa, where collaborative defense efforts are vital for maintaining stability, responding to emerging threats, and fostering peace across national borders.
This visit marks a significant step in Somalia-Rwanda military relations and is expected to pave the way for deeper collaboration, helping both countries build resilient, capable, and modern armed forces equipped to respond effectively to both domestic and regional security challenges.
