A major wave of dismissals and demotions within the Somali National Army has raised serious concerns among military insiders and political observers. Over the past months, a group of senior and mid-level officers — most of whom previously resisted the political pressure during the Farmaajo era — have been systematically removed from command positions, sidelined, or forced into early retirement.

According to multiple military sources who spoke to Waagacusub on condition of anonymity, the pattern of removals is too consistent to be a coincidence. The officers affected are largely drawn from the same community, and most of them played a leading role in resisting former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo’s attempt to militarize politics during his final months in power.

 List of affected officers

(Compiled from internal army sources)

1. Col. Ahmed Libaax — authority drastically reduced

2. Col. Dr. Mohamed Dhungooye — removed from post

3. Col. Shaafici Hirtan — dismissed from Villa Somalia security

4. Col. Khalif Ahmed Xaashi — denied appointment

5. Col. Mohamed Dahir — removed as Commander of Sector 21

6. Col. Duran Jiis — not assigned to any role

7. Lt. Col. Caydaruus — removed from Danab

8. Lt. Col. Sheikh Saciid — denied assignment

9. Col. Maxamed Cabdi Yare — removed from Villa Somalia

10. Col. Sheekeye — denied assignment

11. Major Cabdiqadar Xogolof — removed from 27th Division

12. Captain Dr. Cabdirisaaq Walde — denied military hospital post

13. Lt. Dr. Bukhaari — denied post at military hospital

Sources argue that the restructuring appears to disproportionately affect officers loyal to the constitution during the 2021–2022 crisis.

 The key questions

The dismissals have sparked speculation inside security circles:

• Is President Hassan Sheikh intentionally weakening officers who opposed Farmaajo?

• Or is General Odowaa operating under influence of former Farmaajo loyalists within the military?

• Why is there no transparent criteria for removals and promotions?

The Presidency and the Ministry of Defense have not offered public explanations.

National Security Risk

Analysts warn that targeting officers on the basis of political loyalty or clan identity could:

• Cause discontent within the armed forces

• Weaken command cohesion

• Undermine public trust in the National Army

• Create power vacuums that extremist networks exploit

 Why are MPs silent?

One of the most troubling elements is the lack of parliamentary oversight. Despite the scale and sensitivity of the dismissals, not a single MP from the affected constituency has spoken publicly.

Whether the silence stems from political fear, internal deals, or strategic calculations remains unclear.

 Final Conclusion

The Somali Army can only remain professional if:

• Promotions and dismissals are merit-based

• Military ranks are protected from political interference

• No community feels targeted or excluded

If unresolved, this restructuring could become a dangerous precedent — where armed forces are shaped not by national interest, but by political loyalty.

By Dahir Alasow — [email protected]
Waagacusub Investigative Report