Odowaa Yusuf Rageh

Odowaa Yusuf Rageh is a Somali military officer who has twice served as Chief of Defence Force of the Somali Armed Forces. At the time of his first appointment, media reported him as the youngest person to hold the position, at age 32.

During his tenure as commander, the conflict between the Federal Government and Al-Shabaab intensified significantly, particularly following the military operation announced by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in 2022. He subsequently became involved in political disputes related to his removal from office in January 2026 and the violence that broke out in Mogadishu in June 2026.

Early life and training

Historical records state that he was born in Middle Shabelle region and joined the armed forces in 2006–2007, during the time of the Transitional Federal Government. He received training in Uganda focused on the protection of senior officials and subsequently became an instructor for new recruits. In 2013 he was sent to Turkey for advanced training in infantry command and military management, and is reported to have completed advanced higher education in Turkey.

First tenure as commander (2019–2023)

A military reshuffle by President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo resulted in his appointment as commander of the armed forces, replacing General Daahir Aadan Cilmi. He held the position during the 2022 transition of the presidency and oversaw operations against Al-Shabaab in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions. In June 2023 the Council of Ministers removed him from office, replacing him with Ibrahim Sheikh Muhuyadiin Cadow. In an interview with VOA Somali at that time, he described the decision as disputed.

Second tenure (2024–2026)

In November 2024 the Council of Ministers, in an emergency meeting held in Mogadishu, removed Ibrahim Sheikh Muhuyadiin Cadow and reappointed Odowaa. The Office of the Prime Minister stated that the change was intended to accelerate the war against Al-Shabaab. The appointment coincided with tensions between the federal government and regional administrations over the election schedule. On 29 January 2026 he was removed from office again, replaced by Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmud. His formal handover occurred at the Ministry of Defence in February 2026.

Political tensions in 2026

In June 2026, following armed conflict in Mogadishu related to opposition activity and disputes over the presidential term, news reports stated that Odowaa sided with the opposition and refused to allow government forces to search his residence in Abdi Aziz district. Opposition groups—including the Council of the Somali Future and the Council of Salvation—warned the government against raiding the house. The government did not directly respond to these allegations, and there are no independent verified sources confirming the details.