Somalia’s newly appointed Chief of the Armed Forces, Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Rageh, has outlined an ambitious vision to overhaul and professionalize the country’s military during a high-profile ceremony attended by top government officials and security leaders.
In his inaugural address, Gen. Rageh emphasized the pressing need to build a robust, well-trained, and well-equipped national army capable of defending Somalia’s sovereignty and combating the persistent threat of al-Shabab militants. His strategic priorities include:
1. Enhancing training and capacity building across all military branches – land, air, and naval forces. Gen. Rageh plans to establish specialized training academies and expand existing programs to produce skilled, disciplined soldiers adept at fulfilling their national duties.
2. Developing a strong leadership corps by promoting capable officers and nurturing a new generation of military leaders through advanced training opportunities.
3. Prioritizing medical care for wounded soldiers and their families, upgrading military hospitals, and establishing dedicated rehabilitation centers for those injured in combat.
4. Providing support and care for the children of fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice defending their nation.
5. Intensifying counterterrorism operations against al-Shabab insurgents in coordination with regional state forces and armed civilian militia groups.
In a poignant moment, Gen. Rageh paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of Somali soldiers, stating, “You have given your blood for this nation’s peace, and I deeply honor your service.”
He also called on all Somalis to unite behind the national armed forces, emphasizing that defeating al-Shabab is the only path to restoring peace and enabling the country’s development.
The transition ceremony marked a significant milestone, as Gen. Rageh takes over from the outgoing military chief, Gen. Odowa Yusuf Rage, who had initiated several infrastructure projects and capacity-building initiatives during his tenure.
As Somalia continues its battle against the al-Shabab insurgency, the international community closely watches Gen. Rageh’s efforts to reform and strengthen the national military, widely seen as a crucial step towards achieving lasting stability and security in the Horn of Africa nation.
