Thursday 29, Jan 2026 {HMC} Somalia has replaced its army chief as the country prepares to launch a new phase of military operations against al-Shabab in central and southern regions, the government said Thursday.
Major Gen. Odawaa Yusuf Rageh was removed from his post during a Cabinet meeting in Mogadishu chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, according to a statement from the prime minister’s office. Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud was appointed as the new chief of the Somali National Army.
The government said the leadership change is part of a broader effort to accelerate military modernization and strengthen command effectiveness as security forces intensify operations against the al-Qaida-linked insurgent group.
The appointment comes at a critical moment, with the Somali National Army engaged in sustained, high-intensity offensives across parts of Middle Shabelle and Lower Juba, areas long used by al-Shabab as operational strongholds. Somali officials have said recent operations, conducted with support from international partners, resulted in the deaths of more than 300 militants figures that could not be independently verified.
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 and coordination.
“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.
Rageh had been reappointed as army chief in November 2024, replacing Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Sheikh. His tenure coincided with an expanded offensive against al-Shabab following the federal government’s pledge to weaken the group’s territorial control and financial networks.
Al-Shabab continues to carry out attacks against government targets, civilians and international partners despite years of military pressure. While Somali forces, backed by allies, have regained territory in recent months, the group retains the ability to mount complex assaults and stage deadly bombings.
The government has framed the latest leadership shift as part of a long-term strategy to sustain pressure on the insurgency and consolidate gains on the ground as Somalia pushes toward greater security self-reliance.
Source hiiraan Online
