DOHA, Qatar – The Minister of Defense of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, attended a high-profile graduation ceremony for joint military officers at the prestigious Ahmed bin Mohamed Military College in Doha today. The Minister, who is currently on an official working visit to the Gulf nation, witnessed the passing out of a new cohort of officers, which included distinguished members of the Somali Armed Forces who have completed rigorous academic and field training programs alongside their international peers.
The grand ceremony was presided over by the Emir of the State of Qatar, H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who honored the event with his presence to officially conclude the academic year. The Emir personally awarded medals and accolades to the top-performing officers, recognizing their excellence in military science and leadership. The graduation marks another milestone in the deepening defense cooperation between Mogadishu and Doha, reflecting a shared commitment to regional security and the cultivation of professional military standards.
During the event, Minister Fiqi expressed his profound appreciation for the State of Qatar’s consistent and generous support in the development and modernization of the Somali National Army (SNA). He articulated that the advanced skills, strategic knowledge, and discipline acquired by the graduating officers would significantly enhance the operational capabilities and combat readiness of the Somali forces back home. The Minister emphasized that such high-level training is essential for building a robust, self-sufficient national defense institution capable of effectively safeguarding the country’s sovereignty.
Accompanying the Minister at the ceremony was the Commander of the Somali National Army, Major General Odowaa Yusuf Rage. Their joint presence highlights the strategic importance the Federal Government places on its defense partnerships and the professional growth of its military leadership. The engagement in Doha serves as a reinforcement of the strong fraternal ties between Somalia and Qatar, particularly in the vital sector of security sector reform.
