New Mission Force Commander for EUTM Somalia

Mogadishu, 30 January 2026

Brigadier General Elio Manes today formally assumed command of the European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM-S). The handover from Brigadier General Sofia Westermark to Brigadier General Manes took place at the EUTM headquarters and was carried out in full accordance with operational procedures to ensure continuity of the mission's work.

The transfer underlined the mission's ongoing commitment to supporting Somali security institutions through training, mentoring and capacity building. Brigadier General Manes begins his mandate with a clear focus on consolidating existing training programmes and expanding tailored support to Somali counterparts to strengthen their ability to plan and conduct stable security operations.

"I am honoured to take command of EUTM-S at this important moment," said Brigadier General Elio Manes. "Our focus will be to deepen cooperation with Somali partners so they can increasingly lead their own security efforts."

In its 9^th Mandate, the EUTM Somalia contributes to building up the Somali Security Forces (SSF) accountable to the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), in line with Somali needs and priorities, providing strategic level advice to Somali authorities within the Security Institutions in the Mogadishu Area as well as specific mentoring, advice and capacity building in the training domain. Furthermore when conditions permitting and pending EU PSC approval, EUTM-S should be prepared to expand their activities to Regional HQ's. EUTM-S will also provide support, within means and capabilities, to other EU and international actors in the implementation of their respective mandates following PSC guidance and given their values/ principles/ aims and interests aligned with the EU's.