Opposition Alleges Plot Against Former Army Chief, Warns of Escalation

MOGADISHU – Opposition leaders on Saturday accused security forces loyal to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of planning operations targeting former military chief General Odowaa Yusuf Rageh and other prominent opposition members, warning that such actions could deepen political tensions in the capital.

The opposition alliance, known as the Somali Future Council, said it had received information indicating that members of the Somali National Army and intelligence services were involved in plans aimed at General Odowaa, private residences, businesses, and well-known opposition figures in Mogadishu.

General Odowaa Yusuf Rageh served as the Chief of Defence Forces of Somalia from November 2024 to January 2026. During his tenure, he presided over the graduation of new cadet officers at the Balidogle Academy, describing their achievement as a “milestone in the ongoing journey of building a stronger, more professional Somali National Army.” He also led frontline operations in Lower Shabelle, where he commended the unity and resolve demonstrated by Somali and allied forces in liberating strategic towns from Al-Shabaab control.

Chief of the National Armed Forces, General Odowaa Yusuf Rage, presided over the graduation ceremony of a new batch of officer cadets at the Hassan Tuure Training Academy in Balidogle, where he emphasized the importance of discipline, patriotism, and continued professional development for the newly commissioned officers.

Former Military Chief’s Distinguished Career

General Odowaa, born on April 14, 1987, in Mahaday, Middle Shabelle, joined the Somali Army in 2007 and held various significant positions before being appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Somali National Army in November 2024. His leadership was pivotal in ongoing efforts to strengthen Somalia’s security sector, including collaborations with international partners.

Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ambassador Ahmed Fiqi, and Somali National Army Commander General Odowaa Yusuf Rageh held a high-level meeting with the Commander of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), with discussions centered on enhancing the existing military partnership and joint operations in the fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS.

Under his command, the Somali National Army also received significant international support. The United Kingdom formally handed over modern vehicles and specialized equipment to the Somali National Army to enhance its capacity to counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs), with General Odowaa emphasizing the importance of modernizing the army’s logistical and technical capabilities.

Leadership Transition and Current Tensions

In January 2026, Somalia’s Council of Ministers appointed Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud as the new Commander of the Somali National Army, replacing Major General Odowaa Yusuf Rageh. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre led the formal command transition ceremony at the Ministry of Defence headquarters, recognizing General Odowaa’s contributions and leadership, specifically highlighting the army’s recent tactical accomplishments against Al-Shabaab.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre led the formal command transition ceremony at the Ministry of Defence headquarters, recognizing General Odowaa’s contributions and leadership, specifically highlighting the army’s recent tactical accomplishments against Al-Shabaab.

The allegations from the Somali Future Council come amid heightened political tensions following recent security incidents and military deployments in the capital, where disputes over Somalia’s political future have fueled concerns about stability. The accusations underscore the deepening rift between the government and opposition leaders as international partners continue to call for dialogue and restraint.

In a statement, the forum also condemned what it described as an attack on the residence of Sheikh Abdulkadir Soomow, accusing senior federal government officials of violating previous understandings intended to reduce political and security tensions in Mogadishu.

Opposition Warnings and Calls for Military Neutrality

The opposition group urged members of Somalia’s armed forces to remain neutral and avoid involvement in political disputes, calling on security institutions to uphold their professional responsibilities. It further warned that the federal government would bear responsibility for any instability or violence resulting from actions that it said could inflame the already fragile situation.

Opposition leaders have drawn sharp battle lines against what they describe as “illegitimate term extensions” and “disputed elections,” warning the government not to push the country into another cycle of political turmoil.

International partners including the UN, African Union, EU, IGAD, the United States, and the United Kingdom have urged renewed dialogue between the Somali government and opposition groups. The United States delivered one of its most explicit public statements against the use of force on political protesters in Somalia.

There was no immediate response from the federal government to the allegations. Authorities have previously maintained that ongoing security operations in Mogadishu are aimed at maintaining public order and addressing security threats.

Puntland leader Said Abdullahi Deni has accused President Mohamud of breaking the country apart, stating that the federal government’s actions have systematically dismantled the federal system and undermined the power-sharing arrangements that form the basis of Somalia’s post-conflict governance structure.

Regional Security Context

The allegations against General Odowaa come at a time of significant military transformation in Somalia. The country has been working closely with international partners to enhance its security capabilities. Somalia and the European Union have reached an agreement to boost military collaboration, emphasizing the reinforcement of the Somali National Army and maintaining global backing for current security operations.

Somalia’s Defense Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, convened a strategic meeting in Cairo with his Yemeni counterpart, with discussions centered on enhancing defense collaboration, reinforcing maritime security in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and combating the illegal transfer of weapons. The meeting included the Commander of the Somali National Armed Forces, Major General Odowaa Yusuf Rage.

The allegations from the Somali Future Council suggest that the political crisis in Mogadishu may be widening to include senior military figures from the previous administration. Whether the government will respond to these accusations and how General Odowaa’s supporters might react remains uncertain as the capital remains on edge.