Mogadishu (Lamaane.net) – Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, on Thursday inaugurated the newly reconstructed and modernized headquarters of the 77th Presidential Guard Brigade of the Somali National Army in Mogadishu, marking a significant step in strengthening the unit responsible for protecting the Presidency and Somalia's national leadership.
The president toured the upgraded military compound, inspecting newly renovated command offices, brigade headquarters, a medical facility, detention facilities, and a mosque that form part of the extensive redevelopment project. Officials accompanying the visit briefed him on the improvements made to operational infrastructure, administrative systems, and services designed to enhance the brigade's readiness and effectiveness.
During the tour, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised the quality of the reconstruction and commended the brigade's leadership and personnel for fulfilling their constitutional responsibility of securing Villa Somalia and safeguarding senior state officials since assuming the mission following the withdrawal of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) from those duties.
"The professionalism demonstrated by the brigade in carrying out its national responsibilities reflects the continued progress of Somalia's security institutions," the president said during remarks delivered at the headquarters, according to information obtained by Lamaane News Network from officials attending the ceremony.
The president also visited a memorial dedicated to officers and soldiers of the 77th Brigade who were killed during military operations against the militant group Al-Shabaab. The site honors members of the unit who lost their lives while participating in security operations aimed at protecting the country's institutions and supporting broader counterinsurgency efforts.
One of the newly completed facilities, the brigade's mosque, has been named after Mohamed Haile, a soldier who was killed in action during operations against Al-Shabaab. Military officials said the naming recognizes his sacrifice and serves as a tribute to members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty.
Personnel at the headquarters were seen gathering in formation during the ceremony as senior officers accompanied the president through the renovated facilities under heightened security. The upgraded compound includes expanded operational spaces intended to improve coordination, medical support, and administrative functions for the brigade.
