New Presidential Guard Commander Takes Charge in Somalia Security Reshuffle

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Colonel Maslax Mahmoud Mohamed has officially assumed command of the Somali National Army’s Presidential Guard Unit, succeeding Brigadier General Hassan Aden Dhicis in a formal handover ceremony held at the Presidential Palace headquarters.

The leadership transition, attended by top government and military officials, marks a key moment in efforts to bolster the protection of the Presidency and senior Somali leaders.

In his first address as commander, Col. Maslax pledged to enhance the unit’s operational readiness and reinforce the security framework around the country’s leadership.

“Our mission is clear: to protect the Presidency and ensure stability at the highest levels of government,” he said, while expressing gratitude to his predecessor for his service.

Brig. Gen. Dhicis urged continued loyalty and professionalism from the unit’s personnel and praised Col. Maslax’s leadership qualities, highlighting his tenure as Head of the President’s Close Protection Unit.

With over 14 years of military service, Col. Maslax brings deep experience in security operations and presidential protection to his new role.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Director General of the Presidency, Mohamed Amin Sheikh Osman, and members of the Somali National Army’s transition committee, underlining the strategic importance of the Presidential Guard in Somalia’s national security architecture.