First batch of Somali soldiers trained in Eritrea arrive in Mogadishu

The first batch of Somali troops who had undergone military training and stayed in Eritrea for about three years has arrived in Mogadishu. The number of soldiers was not immediately apparent.

This is the beginning of continuing repatriation of Somali cadets trained in Eritrea whose issue became the center of conflict between former Somali administration and the incumbent after reports said the soldiers were involved in the Ethiopia war and killed many of them.

The minister of defense, Abdiqadir Mohamed Nour who confirmed the return of the troops for the public said the new cadets will be soon joining the anti war against Al Shabab that is underway in many parts of the country.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced on Monday that the soldiers will be returning this month with the last group expected to arrive in the country later in January.

Soon after his election, Hassan Sheikh met with the parents and promised to bring them back home. Somalia’s previous government had dismissed concerns from parents who were unable to reach their children in training and would not provide details.