Somali President Hassan Sheikh appoints new Naval commander

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a bid to strengthen water surveillance, Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud appointed a new naval commander, a move that comes at the time the government is working with stakeholders to stabilize the Horn of Africa nation.

Maritime security has been a major issue for the last decade, with the Somali National Army (SNA) operating without the crucial naval component, raising questions about its ability to compete globally.

On Wednesday, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud appointed Brigadier General Abdiwahab Abdullahi Omar as the new Commander of the Somali Navy, a move that signifies Somalia’s renewed energy to fight the war against Al-Shabaab.

A strong naval force, he said, would be able to safeguard the country's territorial waters, upholding the country's sovereignty and integrity, which had previously been challenged in the seas.

“The government is working to strengthen the Somali Navy so that it can take over the security and defense of our maritime borders, which are essential for our nationhood and unity,” the President stated.

Outgoing Naval Commander Admiral Abdi Warsame was lauded with the new boss asked to double the effort by accelerating reforms in the Navy. Somalia Navy has been undergoing restructuring for some decades, with the government investing in new technology.

Hundreds of Naval Personnel have been recruited in the last two years, with Eritrea and Ethiopia chipping in to assist the new teams. Besides terrorism, piracy has been a major challenge within Somali waters for the last couple of decades.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is also reviving Somalia Air Force which has also been on its knees for over three decades. The government depends on international partners to strengthen the force at a time when terrorism is a major national security threat.

GAROWE ONLINE