Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The Prime Minister of Somalia, Hamza Abdi Barre, presided over a handover ceremony at the Ministry of Defense on Monday, marking the return of Gen. Odowa Yusuf Rage as the Chief of the Somali National Army (SNA). Gen. Odowa succeeds Gen. Ibrahim Sheikh Muhudin, who had been leading the army since June 2023.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Hamza highlighted the progress made in the fight against Al-Shabaab over the past two years, including the liberation of many areas and the delivery of essential services to newly freed communities. He urged the incoming army chief to accelerate efforts to eliminate the Al-Shabaab threat.

Hamza also reflected on Somalia’s achievements, including the lifting of the arms embargo, joining the East African Community, and securing a seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Gen. Odowa previously served as SNA Chief but was dismissed in June 2023 during a period of intense fighting between Al-Shabaab and Somali forces backed by local militias. The conflict included deadly attacks on military bases, notably in Cowsweyne, where hundreds of soldiers lost their lives.

The reappointment of Gen. Odowa underscores the government’s commitment to restructuring its security apparatus as Al-Shabaab remains a significant threat to Somalia’s stability.