Somali Army Chief to Resign after Setback in Al-Shabaab War

General Odowaa Yusuf Rage, the Chief of Defence Forces of the Somali National Army (SNA), who made a return recently after dismissal, has since written to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, asking for exit from the SNA leadership. Credible reports indicate that the Chief of Defence Forces is said to have written to President Hassan, expressing his intention to leave the forces, at a time the Somali National Army is facing setbacks from the battle against Al-Shabaab militants. The Somali National Army lost strategic Adan Yabaal town in Middle Shabelle, highlighting a serious gap in the operations, with the US Africa Command forced to intervene by activating an airstrike while assisting the local forces in the fight against the group. For this, President Mohamud is also expected to reshuffle senior military leadership to boost operations against al Shabaab, as the group has recently intensified attacks and regained control of previously lost territories. General Odawaa Yusuf Rage rejoined the military in November 2024 after two years of absence, having been replaced by General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyiddin. Odowaa was brought back to spearhead the operations by the military against al-Shabaab. (Garowe Online)