EU Training Mission in Somalia Gains New Leadership. Mogadishu, Somalia — 2026-01-30 Lead Paragraph Brigadier General Elio Manes has taken over as the commander of the European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM-S), succeeding Brigadier General Sofia Westermark.
The handover, which took place at the EUTM headquarters in Mogadishu, signifies a strategic shift in the EU’s commitment to bolstering the capabilities of Somali Security Forces.
Body.
The leadership transition comes at a critical juncture for Somalia, where security remains a pressing concern. Under General Manes’command, the EUTM-S is poised to deepen its engagement with Somali partners, focusing on enhancing the planning and execution of security operations.
General Manes emphasized the importance of building the capacity of Somali Security Forces to operate independently and effectively.
Officials commented on the matter. “Our focus will be to deepen cooperation with Somali partners so they can increasingly lead their own security efforts.”.
The mission, under its 9th Mandate, is dedicated to strengthening Somali Security Forces that are accountable to the Federal Government. It provides strategic-level advice to security institutions in the Mogadishu area and offers specialized mentoring in the training domain.
The potential expansion of activities to regional headquarters is contingent upon approval and favorable security conditions.
Ending.
As the new commander takes the helm, the future of security in Somalia under the EUTM — S remains a topic of interest. While the mission’s impact on Somali Security Forces is yet to be fully realized, General Manes’commitment to fostering self-reliance and cooperation is a step forward in the ongoing effort to stabilize the region.
Further details are expected as the mission progresses under General Manes’leadership.
.
Source: sonna.
