MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi met with European Union Ambassador to Somalia László Máthé and European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia) Force Commander Brig. Gen. Ivan Falasca to discuss military training and support for the country’s security priorities.
The talks focused on training, advising and mentoring Somali security forces, with the aim of strengthening their capabilities and supporting Somalia’s efforts to build effective national security institutions.
The meeting comes as the EU continues to support the development of Somalia’s security forces through EUTM Somalia, which provides military training, strategic advice and mentoring to help build sustainable, Somali-led defence capabilities.
Falasca formally assumed command of the EU mission on Sept. 30, succeeding Brig. Gen. Elio Manes. During the previous command’s tenure, the mission coordinated and supported 11 training events involving 626 participants between January and September 2026, according to the EU External Action Service.
The training covered a range of areas, including officer development, counter-improvised explosive device operations, live-fire exercises, logistics, fuel management and information technology.
Launched in 2010, EUTM Somalia works with Somali authorities to strengthen the capabilities of the Somali National Armed Forces and support the development of national security institutions.
The EU’s engagement forms part of broader international efforts to help Somalia improve security, combat the al-Shabaab militant group and gradually assume greater responsibility for its national defence.
The latest discussions underscore the importance of continued cooperation between Somalia and the EU in strengthening military capacity and supporting long-term security and stability.
