MOGADISHU — The Somali National Army (SNA) continues to expand its military capabilities through the acquisition of modern equipment, advanced training and institutional reforms, as the federal government intensifies efforts to strengthen national security and stabilize the Horn of Africa nation after decades of conflict.
Military officials say the army has in recent months received new military vehicles, communications systems, protective gear and other logistical support aimed at improving operational effectiveness in ongoing offensives against the Al-Shabaab militant group linked to Al-Qaeda.
The developments come as Somalia pushes forward with plans to assume greater responsibility for its own security following the gradual drawdown and transition of African Union peacekeeping forces operating in the country.
“Our goal is to build a professional, capable and nationally unified army that can defend the country and protect civilians,” a senior Somali military officer told reporters in Mogadishu, requesting anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.
The government has increasingly invested in rebuilding the armed forces after years of instability that followed the collapse of the central government in 1991, which led to civil war, the fragmentation of security institutions and the rise of armed groups.
Analysts say the modernization campaign reflects a broader strategy by Somali authorities to improve battlefield coordination, intelligence sharing and rapid response capacity, particularly in central and southern regions where military operations against Al-Shabaab have intensified.
Somali troops have undergone specialized military training both inside Somalia and abroad, supported by international partners including African Union, Turkey, United States and other allied countries involved in security assistance programs.
The training programs include urban warfare tactics, counter-insurgency operations, intelligence gathering, military leadership and the protection of civilians during armed conflict, according to security officials.
Residents in Mogadishu and other major cities have welcomed signs of military improvement, expressing hope that stronger national forces could help restore long-term peace and reduce dependence on foreign troops.
“The country needs disciplined and well-equipped forces to secure the future of Somalia,” said Abdirahman Hassan, a resident in Mogadishu. “People want stability after many years of violence.”
Security experts caution, however, that military gains alone may not be sufficient without parallel political reconciliation, economic recovery and stronger governance institutions.
Despite the challenges, Somali authorities insist that rebuilding the army remains central to the country’s efforts to reestablish state authority and confront extremist threats that continue to endanger civilians across several regions.
The Somali National Army, working alongside local community fighters and international partners, has in recent years recaptured several towns and strategic areas from Al-Shabaab in military campaigns described by the government as critical to restoring state control.
