Once powerful Somali army marks 60 years

Somali police force attend an Amisom handover ceremony of the Mogadishu stadium. PHOTO | AFP

The Somalia National Army marked its 60th anniversary on April 12, however the once powerful army is currently a pale shadow of its former self.

The biggest task the army faces is whether it can—with the support of donors and the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom)—secure the country as the African peacekeepers prepare to exit by the end of 2021.