President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has appointed a new Commander of the Somali Navy, following a recommendation from the Minister of Defense. The President officially named Brigadier General Abdiwahab Abdullahi Omar to lead the naval forces.
The appointment, announced through a presidential decree, is part of the government’s broader effort to enhance the capabilities of the Somali Navy. This move aims to strengthen the protection of the country’s maritime borders, a crucial step in safeguarding national sovereignty and unity.
President Hassan Sheikh commended the outgoing Navy Commander, Admiral Abdi Warsame, for his service and dedication. He urged the newly appointed commander to intensify efforts in fulfilling the national duty entrusted to him.
The Somali government has been actively working to rebuild its naval forces to secure its territorial waters, which have been plagued by piracy and illegal exploitation of marine resources. Notably, the latest batch of Somali naval personnel, trained in Eritrea, returned to the country in 2023. Meanwhile, European Union naval forces continue to patrol Somali waters, preventing pirate attacks on commercial vessels.
