Mogadishu, Somalia — The Chief of Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), General Odowa Yusuf Ragge, has sounded an alarm over a sharp reduction in the country’s military ranks, warning that the armed forces have lost between 15,000 and 20,000 personnel in recent years.
Addressing the Senate in Mogadishu on Wednesday, Gen. Odowa outlined the toll that years of conflict, sustained counterterrorism operations, and natural attrition have taken on the army. The losses, he said, stem from a combination of battlefield fatalities, injuries, and retirements that have significantly weakened operational capacity.
The revelation comes at a critical moment for Somalia’s security institutions, which are gradually taking over full responsibility for national defence as African Union troops continue their phased withdrawal under the transition plan. With Al-Shabaab still capable of mounting deadly attacks, the pressure on Somali forces remains immense.
Gen. Odowa appealed to lawmakers to authorize additional funding to rebuild the army’s manpower and ensure that frontline units are adequately trained, equipped, and supported. He emphasized that the country’s security gains could unravel if the shortfall is not addressed swiftly.
Military sources say recruitment and training programs have slowed amid fiscal constraints, while the cost of maintaining active troops in volatile regions continues to rise. In many rural areas, soldiers operate under difficult conditions, often lacking proper logistics and welfare support.
Observers view the general’s address as one of the most candid assessments yet of the Somali army’s vulnerabilities. His appeal underscores the urgency of reinforcing national security forces before the full withdrawal of international support missions in the coming year.
For many Somalis, the general’s remarks resonate deeply. They highlight both the sacrifices made by the armed forces and the pressing need for sustainable investment to secure the fragile progress achieved against insurgency and instability.