Wed 4 Feb 2026 {HMC} Somalia’s new army chief, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud, has officially started his role, succeeding Major General Odawa Yusuf Rage in a handover ceremony in the capital, Mogadishu, on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, who oversaw the handing-over event, praised the outgoing head of the Somali National Army for his dedicated service and achievements, while urging the new commander to continue ”modernising and strengthening” the army.
PM Barre congratulated the armed forces on their successes in the ongoing fight against armed groups, including terrorists, noting that territories previously held by terrorists have been reclaimed by the military.
The ceremony was attended by senior security officials, including Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Internal Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh, and a delegation of ambassadors, led by Turkish Ambassador to Somalia Alper Aktas.
