New SNA chief takes office as Somalia presses fight against Al-Shabaab
Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud on Wednesday formally assumed office as commander of the Somali National Army during a handover ceremony at the Ministry of Defence in Mogadishu.
Mogadishu (Somali Report) - Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud on Wednesday formally assumed office as commander of the Somali National Army during a handover ceremony at the Ministry of Defence in Mogadishu.
The outgoing army chief, Maj. Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Raage, officially handed over command in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, senior military and security commanders, diplomats and representatives of the international community, including Turkey’s ambassador.
In remarks at the event, Prime Minister Hamza praised Gen. Odowaa’s leadership, saying the Somali National Army had made significant gains against al-Shabab during his tenure and that public confidence in the armed forces had improved.
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He urged the new commander to build on those gains by accelerating efforts to rebuild and professionalize the army, with a focus on national defense, preserving Somalia’s unity and defeating what he described as terrorist threats.
“The government stands firmly with the armed forces,” the prime minister said, pledging continued support in training, equipment and overall capacity-building.
Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi described the transition as part of normal state governance and said the ministry would continue efforts to improve the army’s discipline, readiness and operational capabilities. He thanked the outgoing commander for his service and sacrifice and wished his successor success, vowing full ministerial backing to ensure national security.
The leadership change follows a decision by the federal government on Jan. 29, 2026, to appoint Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud as the new commander of the Somali National Army, while relieving Maj. Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Raage of his duties.
About the Author
Osman Hassan is a Senior Editor at the Somali Report based in Nairobi with over 15 years of experience in journalism. He has worked with local and international media outlets in Somalia and is an award-winning journalist. His reporting focuses on politics, security, and regional affairs in the Horn of Africa.