32-year-old appointed commander in Somalia National Army

President Farmajo of Somalia Federal Government has appointed a youthful Odowaa Yusuf Rage as the commander of the Somalia National Army. This is the latest appointment in the last 22 months in which he has been moved to senior positions within the military cadre.

The recent appointment makes him the youngest ever commander in the military at just 32, having been born in 1987.

Going by his age, the young commander would have been three years old at the time Siad Barre regime disintegrated. He was born in Aadan Yabaal District in Middle Shabelle region. Between 2002-2005 he attended his secondary education in Mogadishu after which he joined the army in 2007.

He attended military training in Uganda for one year where he underwent studies in VIP protection. He later became an instructor to new recruits sent to Uganda. In 2009, he went to Sudan for further training. A year later he returned home as a one-star general and attended a 45-day seminar at Haama Dhowr School in Mogadishu.

He was later appointed the deputy leader of the Villa Somalia Protection Unit, and later rising to be the leader of the unit. This close proximity to the presidency must have endeared him to the center of power.

In 2013, he was once again sent for training in Turkey in what was deemed to be the highest training in the military ranks. He returned to several promotions and postings.

In 2014, he returned to the Turkish Army War College where he remained till 2016. It was upon his return that he was appointed as the commander of the Villa Somalia Protection unit of the 60 division.

In 2018, he was appointed as the general commander of Division 60 that protects the Statehouse before his recent promotion as the commander of the Somali National Army.

Varying reactions have trailed Odowa Yusuf’s recent promotion as some believe it may instigate feelings of neglect and disgruntlement among the rank and file of military officers while others see it as a welcome development, deviation from the old order, and an inspiration to the teeming youths of the country who have interest in joining the Somali National Army.