Mogadishu, Somalia — From November 20-26, the Somali National Army (SNA) officers participated in the inaugural Human Rights Specialization Course, conceived and organized by the European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM-S). The course, held at EUTM-S headquarters, was a comprehensive week-long program aimed at fostering ethical decision-making, accountability, and respect for human rights in complex operational environments.
This groundbreaking course was facilitated by a team of esteemed legal, humanitarian, and military experts, with guest speakers from EUCAP Somalia, the Somali Ministry of Defense, and the Somali National Armed Forces General Staff. Their collective expertise provided a robust foundation for the course’s objectives, underscoring the importance of human rights in military operations.
The course concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony attended by EUTM-S Mission Force Commander, Brigadier General Giuseppe Zizzari. In his speech, Brigadier General Zizzari expressed heartfelt gratitude to the SNA officers for their dedication and professionalism.
“A strong military does not solely rely on strength but on the integrity with which it carries out its mission. By respecting and protecting human rights, you reinforce the trust of the Somali people and the international community in our Armed Forces,” stated Brigadier General Zizzari.
This initiative is part of EUTM-S’s ongoing efforts to enhance the Somali National Army’s capacity to operate as a professional force that prioritizes the protection of civilians and vulnerable groups.
Since its inception in April 2010, EUTM-S has been instrumental in supporting the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and strengthening national institutions. To date, the European Training Mission has organized nearly 200 courses, trained over 9,500 personnel, and developed more than 600 Somali National Armed Forces trainers. In the last two years alone, under its 8th mandate, EUTM-S has conducted almost 50 courses, training over 1,100 SNA officers.
The completion of this milestone course represents a major advancement in cultivating a professional and morally upright Somali National Army. The focus on human rights is central to building trust with the people of Somalia and reinforcing the support of the international community.
