Somalia’s Armed Forces Welcome First Female Cadets

MOGADISHU – Somalia has marked a historic breakthrough as the first-ever group of female military cadets graduated from the Türkiye-Somalia Military Academy (TURKSOM) in Mogadishu, breaking barriers and reshaping the future of the nation’s defense forces.

After three years of demanding training that tested their discipline, resilience, and sacrifice, 11 trailblazing young women have officially joined the ranks of Somalia’s Army, Navy, and Air Force. Their achievement represents a defining moment not only for the military but also for Somali women across the nation.

The graduation ceremony, held in Mogadishu, brought together dozens of new officers, but it was the women cadets who captured the spotlight. Battalion Commander Jamal Hassan Ali hailed the milestone, saying: “This is an inspiring dawn for the Somali Army.”

The newly commissioned officers will soon travel to Türkiye for advanced training, where they will sharpen their skills and prepare for leadership roles—further strengthening Somalia’s security institutions.

This milestone is more than a graduation; it is a symbol of courage, progress, and the rising role of Somali women in shaping the country’s future.