In a comprehensive report released ahead of the transition, Nur highlighted the key achievements of his time in office, which saw sweeping reforms in the military, increased international cooperation, and a notable rise in the operational strength of the Somali National Army (SNA).
Strengthening the SNA and Combatting Al-Shabaab
Under his leadership, the Ministry of Defence facilitated the training of more than 20,000 soldiers in areas such as modern warfare, ethics, human rights, and technical skills. This marked a significant step toward professionalizing Somalia’s armed forces.
Minister Nur also led numerous high-level military operations against the Al-Shabaab militant group. His report notes that over 5,000 militants were killed and that he spent more than 250 days on the frontlines, personally overseeing critical offensives. These operations not only targeted fighters but also disrupted financial and logistical networks that supported the group’s operations.
Global Diplomacy and Defence Agreements
During his tenure, Nur conducted over 200 diplomatic visits to various countries, securing more than 10 strategic defence agreements. These partnerships resulted in enhanced military support, intelligence sharing, and border security cooperation—all essential in fortifying Somalia’s defence capabilities.
National Unity and Federal Cooperation
Nur emphasized national unity as a core part of his strategy, conducting over 14 visits to Somalia’s Federal Member States. These efforts aimed to strengthen political cohesion and deepen collaboration across Somalia’s diverse regions.
Strategic Role Transition and International Dynamics
Although no official statement has been made, Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur’s transition is widely regarded as a natural outcome shaped by the international context and evolving diplomatic sensitivities. Nur’s education at a Turkish university and his close ties with Türkiye are seen as part of Somalia’s multidimensional foreign policy strategy—an approach that has drawn close attention from certain external actors.
Some diplomatic sources suggest that Nur’s firm stance on preserving full national sovereignty over sensitive security documents reflects his independent and state-centered leadership. His commitment to protecting Somalia’s strategic interests is perceived as a key element of his principled approach.
A New Vision for Maritime and Transport Development
Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur’s transformative and successful leadership at the Ministry of Defence earned him widespread trust across the public and government institutions. This legacy has now evolved into a new mission in a sector of critical importance for Somalia’s economic development—maritime and transport infrastructure. His appointment as Minister of Ports and Marine Transport is viewed not merely as a change of portfolio, but as a strategic step toward advancing Somalia’s regional integration, foreign trade, and infrastructure growth.
Expectations are high that Nur will continue to demonstrate his dedication, experience, and vision in this new role, contributing meaningfully to Somalia’s long-term strategic goals. His reform-oriented leadership and commitment to multilateral cooperation are anticipated to leave a lasting impact on Somalia’s path forward.