Somali National Army celebrates 65 years of service, reflecting on its legacy and ongoing efforts to rebuild amid security challenges.
Somali National Army celebrates 65 years of service, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s military history.
The establishment of the Somali National Army took place on April 12, 1960 and this military force maintains vital responsibilities for both protecting national sovereignty and supporting regional stability.
The anniversary celebration featured two main components which included honoring past achievements while discussing present efforts to transform and improve security operations even with constant threats.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre declared the SNA essential to national defense while asking the population to back the military forces that guard Somalia from al-Shabaab and other militant organizations.
Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Rage as the Chief of Defence Forces stressed that Somalis have a shared duty to maintain national stability through active defense of the country’s dignity.
Throughout its existence the SNA engaged in liberation wars across Africa besides dedicating efforts to international peacekeeping missions.
The civil war of 1991 caused major breakdowns to the military structure and operational capacity of the organization.




