Somalia President Reinstates General Odowaa Yusuf Known for Opposition Crackdown as Army Chief

MOGADISHU, Somalia - General Odowaa Yusuf Rage, the young military commander who made headlines in 2019 when he was appointed to lead the Somali National Army (SNA) at 32, made a dramatic comeback at the helm, after his reappointment to the post by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

He comes back after a year following his dismissal by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who recalled him on Sunday. In 2023, he had been replaced by Maj. General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhiyidin, has profoundly struggled to contain Al-Shabaab's resurgence.

This change in SNA command comes in response to recent setbacks in the country's efforts to combat the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab. The group has been raiding military installations, causing massive damages, with SNA still failing to make any notable gains.

Although it was not clear why he was dismissed, insiders had blamed him for the slowdown of operations against Al-Shabaab, which had been initiated when President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took over in 2022.

But Ibrahim Sheikh Muhiyidin's tenure was not any different, with the national army failing to meet some of the strict timelines, including but not limited to securing central and southern regions. Statistically, Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Rage did better during his first stint as SNA chief.

Rage was known for attacking opposition leaders, including current president Hassan Sheikh during election campaigns at the end of Farmajo's term. His re-appointment comes amid a rising political crisis in the country Hassan Sheikh's plot to change the constitution and delay the election.

GAROWE ONLINE