PM Barre Urges Stronger Army, Unity as New Military Chief Takes Command

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre used a military leadership handover to signal a renewed push to strengthen the national army and sustain momentum against Al-Shabaab, as the country presses ahead with security reforms.

Barre presided over the transfer of command at the Ministry of Defence, formally appointing Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud as commander of the Somali National Army, replacing Major General Odowaa Yusuf Raage.

In remarks at the ceremony, the prime minister praised Odowaa for leading the army during a period of intensified operations against the Islamist militant group, saying the gains had helped boost public confidence in the armed forces.

Barre said the leadership change was aimed at consolidating those gains and accelerating efforts to rebuild a professional, disciplined and capable national army. He urged the new commander to prioritise national defence, safeguard Somalia’s unity and continue operations to eliminate al Shabaab.

“The government stands with the armed forces and is committed to meeting their needs in training and equipment,” Barre said, underscoring the political leadership’s backing for the military.

Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi said the handover reflected normal state governance and ongoing reforms within the security sector, aimed at improving the army’s effectiveness and readiness as Somalia takes on greater responsibility for its own defence.

The leadership transition comes as Somalia seeks to institutionalise command structures and sustain security pressure on militants, while international partners gradually reduce their direct military role in the country.