Somalia
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Former Somali armed forces chief discusses unexpected dismissal, maintains optimism


Friday June 23, 2023

 

Mogadishu (HOL) - Brigadier General Odowaa Yusuf Rageh, former Chief of the Somali Armed Forces, discussed his sudden dismissal and its implications during a recent interview with the Voice of America's Somali service. The decision to dismiss Rageh came during a cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. Brigadier General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyadin Addow was named as Rageh's replacement. Despite the abrupt termination, Rageh refuted rumours of a conflict with the Defense Minister and remained optimistic about the Somali military's ongoing operations against the Al-Shabaab group.

Rageh's military service, which spans over a decade, started with officer training in Sudan in 2009. Upon his return to Somalia as a Lieutenant, he was tasked with protecting Villa Somalia. Rageh later underwent specialized training in Turkey in areas such as infantry command, foreign languages, and army logistics, leading to his promotion to Major.

Following a two-year stint at the Turkish Army War College, Rageh returned home to lead the 60th Platoon of the Villa Somalia Protection unit. By 2020, he was a Brigadier General leading the Somali National Army Infantry and was appointed Chief of the Army by then-President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo. However, his tenure was abruptly terminated earlier this week.

Rageh has displayed resiliency amid change. "The army and the ministry are independent institutions," he noted, emphasizing that the focus should be on fulfilling their duties effectively rather than personnel changes. He also lauded the military's progress against the Al-Shabaab group and praised the recent growth and improvements within the Somali armed forces.