Somalia appoints new army chief as military steps up operations against Al-Shabab
Major General Odawaa Yusuf Rage was removed from his position during a Cabinet meeting in Mogadishu chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.
Somalia has replaced its army chief as the government prepares to launch a new phase of military operations against Al-Shabaab in central and southern regions, officials announced on Thursday.
Major General Odawaa Yusuf Rage was removed from his position during a Cabinet meeting in Mogadishu chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud has been appointed as the new Chief of the Somali National Army (SNA).
The government said the leadership change is part of broader efforts to accelerate military modernization and strengthen command effectiveness as security forces intensify operations against the Al-Qaida-linked militant group.
The appointment comes at a critical moment, with Somali forces engaged in sustained, high-intensity offensives in parts of Middle Shabelle and Lower Juba—areas long considered key operational strongholds for Al-Shabab.
Somali officials say recent operations, carried out with support from international partners, have resulted in the deaths of more than 300 militants, though the figures could not be independently verified.
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Defense officials said Brig. Gen. Mohamud has been tasked with maintaining battlefield momentum while introducing new operational and logistical approaches aimed at improving troop readiness, coordination, and command efficiency.
“The change in command reflects the need for renewed tactical direction as the armed forces enter a decisive stage of the campaign,” the government statement said, adding that the new army chief will focus on professionalizing the ranks and streamlining command structures.
Rage had been reappointed as army chief in November 2024, replacing Major General Ibrahim Sheikh.
His tenure coincided with an expanded nationwide offensive following the federal government’s pledge to weaken Al-Shabab’s territorial control and financial networks.
Despite sustained military pressure, Al-Shabab continues to carry out attacks targeting government institutions, civilians, and international partners.
While Somali forces and their allies have reclaimed territory in recent months, the group retains the capacity to stage complex assaults and deadly bombings.
The government has framed the latest leadership change as part of a long-term strategy to sustain pressure on the insurgency and consolidate gains as Somalia moves toward greater security self-reliance.
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.