Kigali, Rwanda – On Tuesday, Somali Chief of Defence Forces Major General Odawa Yusuf Rage met with Rwandan Defence Forces Chief of Defence Staff General Mubarakh Muganga to strengthen bilateral military ties and enhance regional security collaboration.
The high-level meeting, held in Kigali, focused on deepening cooperation between the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) in areas such as counterterrorism, training, intelligence sharing, and peacekeeping. Both generals reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a security partnership that supports stability not only in Somalia but across the Horn of Africa and Great Lakes regions.
Gen. Odawa praised Rwanda’s growing role in regional peace efforts and commended the RDF for its professionalism and contributions to African Union and United Nations missions. He emphasized that Somalia values Rwanda’s experience in post-conflict recovery, discipline, and capacity building—areas that are essential as Somalia continues to rebuild its armed forces amid the ongoing transition from ATMIS to the new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM).
For his part, Gen. Muganga reiterated Rwanda’s readiness to expand defense collaboration with Somalia, noting that the two countries share a common interest in fighting terrorism and promoting continental security. He expressed confidence that closer coordination would enhance the effectiveness of regional operations against extremist groups and contribute to sustainable peace in Africa.
The meeting marks a significant step in Somalia’s broader diplomatic and defense outreach, as Mogadishu seeks to reinforce alliances with African nations committed to supporting its stabilization and security reform agenda.