The Somali Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, approved the appointment of Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud as the new Chief of the Somali National Army (SNA) on January 29, 2026. This leadership change comes as Somalia prepares for a decisive new phase of military offensives against Al-Shabaab in central and southern regions. Major General Odawaa Yusuf Rageh, who had been reappointed to the post in late 2024, was removed as part of a broader effort to accelerate military modernization and strengthen command efficiency. The new chief has been tasked with maintaining momentum in current high-intensity operations in Middle Shabelle and Lower Juba, where government forces recently reported significant gains. Defense officials stated that the change in command reflects the need for renewed tactical direction as the armed forces enter a critical stage of the campaign to neutralize the Al-Qaeda-linked group.