EU-backed Darwish officers complete leadership training
Ten officers from the Federal Darwish have finished a specialized course designed to enhance their command capabilities and integrate into national security structures.
Mogadishu — Ten officers from the Federal Darwish have completed a specialized leadership course conducted by the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Somalia. The training program, which ran from late August to early September 2026, focused on preparing these personnel to lead the upcoming sixth cohort of the stabilisation force. According to reports from the mission, the participants demonstrated significant motivation and skill throughout the rigorous curriculum.
The course included a mix of theoretical instruction and practical exercises, covering topics such as conflict management, human rights, and anti-corruption. This initiative is part of a broader European Union strategy to develop sustainable local training capacities within Somalia’s security institutions. The EU has recently extended its key security and defence missions in the country until February 2027, signaling continued support for stability and governance.
Building Local Security Capabilities
The training effort is closely tied to the Federal Darwish, a stabilisation force operating under the Ministry of Internal Security. This force has been established with EU support at the request of the Federal Government of Somalia. Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama has previously highlighted the European Union’s pivotal role in the country’s stabilization, noting that the graduation of these officers represents a significant step in security sector reform.
Beyond leadership training, the mission has supported Somali maritime institutions with equipment donations, including advanced communication systems for the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre in Mogadishu. Additionally, sixteen Somali maritime officers completed a program on Vessel Traffic Management, aiming to improve domain awareness across the country’s territorial waters. These efforts reflect a multi-faceted approach to enhancing national security and response capabilities.
Integrating Regional Forces
A critical aspect of the current security strategy is the integration of regional forces into unified national structures. The Federal Government has moved to grant South West Darwish forces rights equal to those of the national army following their reintegration. This process has been overseen by senior officials, including the Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency and the Commander of the Somali Police Force.
According to the GN auto geopolitics/africa: Somalia security desk, analysts suggest that successful integration could help reduce fragmentation within the security sector. By fostering a cohesive national army, these measures aim to maintain stability across the country. The collaboration between federal and regional leaders underscores a shared commitment to building a unified security framework.
Sustained European Engagement
The European Union’s involvement in Somalia’s security sector has been marked by long-term commitment and high-level diplomatic engagement. The EU Training Mission in Somalia recently commemorated its 16th anniversary, highlighting its role as a cornerstone of the nation’s defense sector since 2010. Senior delegations from countries such as the Netherlands have visited the missions, reflecting broader international interest in the region’s stability.
High-level defence talks between Somali officials and EU representatives have further reinforced the strategic partnership. Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi convened meetings to discuss the reinforcement of military ties and the ongoing development of professional, accountable security forces. The forward question remains how these trained officers and integrated forces will perform in maintaining long-term stability in a complex security environment.
