MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is reportedly considering the appointment of Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama, the current Minister of Ports, as the new chief of the Somali National Army—a move that could deepen tensions with the United States and further polarize the country’s political landscape, Caasimada Online news website reported on Saturday.
Sources close to Villa Somalia indicate that President Mohamud is preparing to dismiss the current army chief, General Odowa Yusuf Rage, under whose leadership the Somali National Army (SNA) has suffered significant setbacks in the battle against Al-Shabaab. Much of the territorial gains made during the 2022 military offensive have since been reversed by the insurgent group.
Jama, a close ally of President Mohamud and a figure with strong ties to Turkey, is among the leading candidates to replace General Rage. Though lacking formal military experience, Jama has held several high-ranking government positions, including Deputy Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Minister of Defense, Minister of Justice, and diplomat to Turkey. He was recently granted the rank of major general by the president in a move not publicly disclosed at the time.
Critics argue that Jama’s appointment would signal an increased alignment with Turkish interests, potentially at the expense of Somalia’s relationship with Western partners—particularly the United States. Washington has previously expressed concerns over Jama’s tenure as Defense Minister, citing a lack of cooperation and what it perceives as a pro-Turkish tilt. U.S. officials reportedly pushed for his removal from that post, warning that continued support for Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts could be reconsidered.
General Rage, who has been trained by U.S. military programs and has served as army chief multiple times since 2019, is respected within the ranks and seen by Washington as a critical figure in the country’s security apparatus.
The potential appointment of Jama comes amid rising political tensions as President Mohamud nears the end of his term and pushes forward with plans to hold a universal suffrage election in 2026—an initiative opposed by a number of federal member states and political stakeholders. Observers view the appointments of loyalists such as Jama and recently reinstated intelligence chief Mahad Salad as part of a broader strategy to consolidate power ahead of the upcoming elections.
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The move also risks exacerbating ongoing conflicts with Puntland and Jubaland. Tensions flared recently when Puntland authorities seized a ship carrying weapons destined for the Turkish military base in Mogadishu. In Gedo region, federal forces have clashed with Jubaland troops as Mogadishu attempts to extend its control.
President Mohamud is also facing criticism for efforts to integrate Sanaag region into the new SSC-Khatumo state, further straining relations with Puntland. His government’s reliance on Turkish military and economic support has grown markedly in recent months, particularly as Al-Shabaab advances toward Mogadishu from multiple fronts.
Despite calls from the United States and other Western allies for dialogue and consensus with regional stakeholders on the electoral process, Somali authorities have pressed ahead unilaterally. Both President Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre have stated publicly that they will not back down from their one-person, one-vote plan, warning that opponents of the process will not be accommodated.
As political and military tensions escalate, the potential appointment of Jama as army chief could become a flashpoint—not only domestically but also in Somalia’s delicate balance of international partnerships.
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