Somalia: 1,500 soldiers complete military training in Kismayo

KISMAYO, Somalia- Over 1,500 Somali troops completed military training in the southern port town of Kismayo on Saturday, Garowe Online reports.

Jubbaland President Ahmed Madobe, Somalia's state Minister for Defense Mohamed Ali Haga, along with MPs and top AMISOM military officials attended the closing ceremony held at the University of Kismayo.

Speaking at the event, President Madobe encouraged the soldiers to liberate the areas still under al-Shabaab control, stressing that the group's threat to the country could be defeated by Somali armed forces.

In his speech, Hagaa congratulated the soldiers, urging them to execute their duties and contribute to the ongoing fight against the Al Qaida-linked militants who want to topple the UN-backed government.

“You [newly trained soldiers] are the peace and hope to the people of Somalia. Don’t let your efforts go wasted, but struggle to stabilize and restore the peace in Somalia,” he said.

The soldiers are the first batch to be trained in Kismayo under the agreement between the central government and Federal member states to integrate all forces, and establish a strong National Army.

Somalia is currently preparing strong and skilled National Army (SNA) capable to take over the security responsibility from AMISOM forces who are expected to leave the country by the end of 2018.

GAROWEONLINE