The European Union Training Mission Somalia (EUTM-S) Mission Force Commander, Brigadier General Pietro Addis, has handed over the Command of EUTM-S to his successor Brigadier General Matteo Spreafico.

The ceremony for the transfer of authority took place at the EUTM-S Headquarters in Mogadishu, attended by European Union Military Staff Deputy Director M.G. Giovanni Manione, the Commander of the Italian Joint Deplorable Command R.Adm. Giorgio Gomma and B.G. Predrag Bandic, Serbian Military Representative to Nato/EU. Between the somali attendees, Somali Chief of Defense Forces Major General Hussein Gorod, and Ministry Of Defence director General Mr. Sonkor. Present among the international distinguished guests, the Italian Ambassador HE Carlo Campanile and attendees from EUDEL- S, EUCAP-S.

Since the establishment of the Mission in 2010, the EUTM Somalia has provided strategic level military advice to Somali defence institutions and soldiers training at company level with the purpose of building and re-organizing the SNA and the military security organization. Under the command of B.G. Addis more than 550 soldiers were trained from EUTMS-S.

Brigadier General Addis during the ceremony was awarded with the "CSDP Medal for Extraordinary Meritorious Service”, and "CSDP Service Medal for Headquarters and Forces”.

The guests attending the parade, in their speech, expressed their gratitude for the efforts of the EUTM Somalia personnel in the strengthening of Somali institutions and the enhancement of security and defence systems in support of the Somali Federal Government.