Somalia’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, has visited the Somali Navy and Coastal Defence Forces base in Barawe, where he received briefings from officers and praised their efforts to protect the country’s coastline.
During the visit, Gen. Mohamud also inspected the local police station, hospital, regional administration headquarters, and main market. The inspections formed part of efforts to assess security conditions and strengthen cooperation between security forces and residents.
Official statements from the Somali National Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence confirmed the commander reviewed “troop readiness, ongoing operations, and coordination with local authorities”.
The visit comes as Somali forces, including Gorgor special units, prepare to assume greater responsibility in the area ahead of the planned withdrawal of Ugandan troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Gen. Mohamud, appointed in January 2026, has focused on operational effectiveness across army, navy, and supporting units as Somalia continues operations against Al-Shabaab. During related engagements in the Barawe sector, he has also acknowledged the contribution of AUSSOM partners while emphasising the need for Somali forces to maintain security and protect civilians as transition timelines advance.
The inspections highlight ongoing federal efforts to improve civil-military relations and coastal defence capabilities in Lower Shabelle. No major incidents were reported during the visit itself.
Mustaqbal
