Somalia’s newly appointed military chief, General Odowaa Yusuf Rage, outlined his ambitious vision to transform the Somali National Army into a professional, well-equipped force during his inauguration ceremony on [DATE]. Addressing top government officials, military leaders, and international partners, Gen. Rage emphasized the critical importance of a strong national defense capability to ensure lasting peace and stability in the conflict-ridden nation.
In his inaugural speech, the chief of defense forces highlighted several key priorities for the wide-ranging reforms he intends to undertake. Firstly, he stressed the need for robust training programs to enhance the skills and professionalism of soldiers across all branches – army, navy, and air force. This includes establishing dedicated training academies and vocational institutions to produce highly skilled personnel capable of fulfilling their duties effectively.
Gen. Rage also underscored plans to bolster the military’s operational capabilities by modernizing equipment, improving logistics and supply chains, and investing in critical infrastructure. “We will work tirelessly to strengthen the Somali National Army’s air, land, and naval forces,” he stated, recognizing the multi-domain challenges facing the country’s security apparatus.
Furthermore, the new military chief vowed to prioritize the welfare and medical care of soldiers, including those wounded in action. “We will ensure comprehensive care for our injured heroes who sacrificed for this nation,” he affirmed, announcing initiatives to upgrade military hospitals and rehabilitation facilities.
Paying tribute to the fallen soldiers, Gen. Rage honored their ultimate sacrifice and extended condolences to the families of the martyrs. He also commended the auxiliary forces, including regional state militias and community defense units, for their crucial role in the fight against the al-Shabab militant group.
A central pillar of Gen. Rage’s strategy involves intensifying counter-terrorism operations to neutralize the threat posed by al-Shabab and other extremist elements. “We will focus our efforts on eradicating these terrorists who undermine our nation’s security,” he declared, calling for unified efforts across all security agencies.
The military chief also acknowledged the indispensable support of the Somali people, urging citizens to rally behind the national forces in the quest to liberate the country from the grip of violence and instability.
As Somalia continues to grapple with the lingering impacts of conflict, the international community has welcomed Gen. Rage’s comprehensive reform agenda as a positive step towards building a capable, professional military that can safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
