MOGADISHU — Brigadier General Elio Manes on Friday officially assumed command of the European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM-S), taking over from Brigadier General Sofia Westermark during a formal handover ceremony held at the mission’s headquarters in Mogadishu.
The transfer of authority was conducted in line with established operational procedures to ensure continuity of the mission’s work, which focuses on strengthening the capacity and professionalism of the Somali Security Forces. European Union officials said the transition reflects the EU’s continued commitment to supporting Somalia’s long-term security reform and institution-building efforts.
In his inaugural remarks, Brigadier General Manes said his leadership would prioritize consolidating existing training programs while expanding tailored support to Somali counterparts. He stressed that the mission’s core objective is to help Somali forces plan and conduct security operations independently.
“I am honoured to take command of EUTM-S at this important moment,” Manes said. “Our focus will be to deepen cooperation with Somali partners so they can increasingly lead their own security efforts.”
EUTM Somalia is currently operating under its ninth mandate, which tasks the mission with developing professional and accountable Somali security forces aligned with the Federal Government of Somalia. The mission provides strategic-level advice to Somali security institutions based in Mogadishu, alongside mentoring in military training and institutional development.
Under the current mandate, EUTM-S may also expand its activities beyond the capital to regional headquarters, subject to political approval and security conditions. EU officials said any such expansion would be guided by Somali priorities and aimed at ensuring training and mentoring reach forces operating outside Mogadishu.
Outgoing commander Brigadier General Sofia Westermark handed over leadership as part of the EU’s regular rotation of senior officials. EU representatives praised her tenure, noting progress in aligning EU training support with Somali-led security
