Somalia: General Odowaa speaks days after sacking as army chief

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Former Chief of the Defence Forces of the Somali National Army [[SNA] General Odowaa Yusuf Rageh has spoken for the first time since his dismissal, which came as a shock given that he has been actively involved in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants through mobilization of local troops.

In a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Odowaa, who was the youngest commander ever to lead the national army, was sent packing under unclear circumstances, a move which has drawn criticism from a number of security experts, who questioned the timing for the action.

Odowaa, an infantryman with vast experience, was replaced by Brigadier General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyadin. Despite the abrupt removal, Rageh refuted rumours of a conflict with the Defense Minister and remained optimistic about the Somali military's ongoing operations against the Al-Shabaab militants.

Rageh joined the national army in 2009 after intense training in different countries which saw him get commissioned as a Lieutenant. He would later train in Turkey which saw him earn a rank of a Major. He participated in several battles with the 60th platoon which is known for ruthlessness in Al-Shabaab war, leading to another promotion to Brigadier General..

"The army and the ministry are independent institutions," Rageh told Voice of America, Somali, 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.

His dismissal comes at the time the country is embroiled in the fight against Al-Shabaab, a group which has antagonized citizens in different parts of Somalia. The country is set for the second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab, and security experts insist that Rageh's stay was necessary for stability.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has declared total war against Al-Shabaab militants and has already asked for assistance from the neighboring Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti. The three countries are expected to dispatch non-ATMIS troops, who will stay in Somalia for tjr next three months.

GAROWE ONLINE