The Council of Ministers has appointed Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud as the new Commander of the Somali National Army, who will officially assume leadership of the armed forces.

“The Council of Ministers of the Federal Republic of Somalia, during its regular meeting, approved by majority vote the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Defense to appoint a new Commander of the Somali National Army. General Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud was appointed to the position. He has 18 years of military experience and holds a university education up to the second level,” said the Government Spokesperson, Abdinassir Saxansaxo.

The newly appointed Army Commander, Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud, is a young officer who in recent years served as the Commander of the Army Support Forces. He has been recognized for his role in organizing, supporting, and strengthening military operations against Al-Shabaab.

Additionally, the new commander was among the officers who led the most recent battles against the Al-Shabaab group, particularly the operations conducted in the Middle Shabelle region, where he played a prominent role in coordinating and supporting government forces.

His appointment comes at a time when the country is facing intense fighting. It is expected that the new commander will lead efforts to strengthen security, reform the armed forces, and accelerate ongoing military operations against Al-Shabaab across various regions of the country.

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The operations are focused on locations believed to have been used by Al-Shabaab to launch yesterday’s attack near Jabad Godane, which is located in the Middle Shabelle region.

Security forces are conducting extensive search-and-clear missions aimed at eliminating remaining militant elements, securing key routes, and preventing further attacks.

According to the Federal Government of Somalia, its forces achieved significant military gains during yesterday’s clashes. Authorities displayed the bodies of numerous Al-Shabaab fighters killed in the fighting, including both senior commanders and rank-and-file militants. However, the government has not released an official death toll for Al-Shabaab casualties.

Despite the lack of confirmed figures, the confrontation in Jabad Godane is described as one of the most intense battles to occur recently in the Middle Shabelle region, underscoring the ongoing military pressure against the extremist group.

The latest fighting comes amid a broader security campaign by the Somali National Army, which in recent days has been conducting coordinated air and ground operations in areas under the administration of Warsheekh district.

These operations are part of a sustained effort to dismantle Al-Shabaab strongholds, disrupt their operational capacity, and restore government authority across the region.

The Somali government has reiterated its commitment to continuing these offensives until the group is fully neutralized and lasting security is established for local communities.

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Reports indicate that an airstrike was conducted in the area, specifically targeting Al-Shabaab positions.

Officials from the National Army stated that the operation has advanced into several areas previously held by the militants, following heavy pressure and targeted airstrikes.

A small number of local troops is accompanying the National Army in its operations against Al-Shabaab in the region.

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The UK announced an additional $3.9 million contribution to the United Nations-administered SSF Trust Fund.

The Trust Fund, managed by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), currently supports 18,900 personnel from the Somali National Army and Somali Police Force.

In 2024 alone, UK funding enabled UNSOS to deliver 6,000 tons of food rations and 2,000 tons of diesel fuel to the SSF, along with providing casualty evacuations (CASEVAC) for hundreds of wounded personnel.

The latest contribution will ensure continued delivery of this vital logistical support.

UNSOS requires a minimum of $2 million per month to support the planned increase in SSF personnel from 18,900 to 20,900, as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2767 (2024).

Additional funding is urgently needed, especially for UNSOS’s life-saving CASEVAC operations during ongoing military campaigns.

The UK reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Somalia’s security transition, emphasizing the importance of enabling UNSOS to continue its essential support to the SSF.

Outgoing British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, says the contribution shows The UK is a firm friend of Somalia and at this vital moment.

“I’m proud to be announcing further funding to support the fight against violent extremists. I encourage other partners to contribute to the UNSOS SSF Trust Fund, to support the brave Somali Security Forces and to ensure a safe and secure future for all Somalis and the region,” Nithavrianakis said.

Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Hussein Sheikh Ali, also emphasized the importance of the Trust Fund and the government’s commitment to using it responsibly.

“The logistical support provided by UNSOS has been significant for the Somali Security Forces, particularly in CASEVAC and MEDEVAC. We urge donors to increase funding in 2025 as the FGS continues to generate new forces,” said Mr. Ali.

Theft of food and fuel

Somalia has a history of aid diversion, including theft of food and fuel intended for its security forces, provided by international partners.

Last year, the U.S. government cut rations and fuel support to the elite Danab forces after Washington discovered that supplies had been misappropriated.

However, Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Hussein Sheikh Ali, says the government is committed to doing better this time.

“I reiterate the Somali government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to international standards in the use of these resources,” said Hussein Sheikh Ali.

The Head of UNSOS, Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, praised the UK’s continued support while the air evacuation remains vital for injured soldiers.

“I remain grateful to the UK Government for its steadfast support of the SSF during the ongoing transition. CASEVAC operations have saved lives and boosted the morale of the Somali forces. It is crucial to have a reliable, predictable Trust Fund, and I urge partners to also contribute as we support Somalia’s security transition,” said Kacyira.

This latest UK contribution builds on earlier funding, bringing the total UK support to more than $50 million since 2021. In February 2025, the UK contributed £5 million, following earlier donations of £5 million in September 2024, £2.75 million in April 2024, £5 million in January 2024, and £5 million in December 2023.

The funding comes at a time of growing concern, as Al-Shabaab militants have advanced toward Mogadishu, the Somali capital. The group has begun encircling the city, raising fears of a possible assault and the potential for the capital to fall under militant control.

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The ceremony was attended by high-ranking military officials, clan elders, and grieving family members, all mourning the untimely and suspicious death of the young officer.

At Isbahaysiga Mosque, where the funeral was held, there was little said—those who did speak focused on Colonel Farey’s good character and bravery.

“He never let his men down on the battlefield,” said former Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi.

“His death shows how dangerous it is when the enemy remains within,” added clan elder Mohamud Ali.

Colonel Nur Farey, commander of the Somali National Army’s 14th October Brigade, was fatally shot on Saturday, April 5, during an army mobilization meeting at Abdow Dibille military camp near Afgooye, in the Lower Shabelle region.

According to eyewitnesses inside the camp, he was addressing soldiers when another soldier opened fire, killing him on the spot.

Shooter gunned down

At least one other officer was reportedly killed in the same incident, though that detail remains unverified.

The shooter was immediately gunned down by other soldiers, and his body was severely mutilated, making forensic identification and investigation more difficult, according to sources familiar with the case.

Nur Farey, father of eight children, who joined the Somali army in 2008, had received international training, including advanced military studies at the University of Turin in Italy, where he graduated in 2022.

He earned a reputation as a capable and brave officer, especially during the 2014–2015 Indian Ocean Operation, a large-scale military campaign led by African Union forces to dislodge Al-Shabaab from areas surrounding Mogadishu and key parts of Lower and Middle Shabelle.

“He was still a young officer during that time, but he quickly proved himself as a strategic and effective commander,” recalled former Somali National Army Chief Major General Dahir Adan Elmi. “His courage and discipline in combat made him stand out.”

However, the circumstances surrounding Colonel Farey’s death have sparked fresh concerns and political controversy in Somalia’s hugely divided security sector.

Ongoing rivalries

Multiple sources suggest that Farey’s killing may have had political undertones linked to ongoing rivalries within the federal government and the military establishment.

Colonel Farey had longstanding political ties to former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, the leader of Himilo Qaran, one of Somalia’s main opposition parties.

During the 2021 political crisis, Farey was among a small group of military officers who aligned themselves with opposition-aligned clan militias in Mogadishu, opposing then-President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo’s controversial bid to extend his term.

In recent months, some sources claim that Farey may have been working with Sharif Sheikh Ahmed to counter what they perceive as “attempts by the current administration under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to seek a term extension beyond 2026” —a move that is increasingly drawing tension from various political factions.

Colonel Farey’s sub-clan affiliation, which aligns closely with Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, has further fueled speculation that his assassination may have been politically motivated.

At least military insiders indicate that such associations often result in officers being labeled as “enemies” by rival factions within the army loyal to the current leadership.

Tensions between President Hassan Sheikh’s administration and supporters of Sharif Sheikh Ahmed have recently escalated, particularly in the Middle Shabelle region.

Some Sharif-aligned clan forces reportedly refused to join federal troops in anti-Al-Shabaab operations, resulting in significant territorial gains by the militant group.

The killing of Colonel Farey is the latest in a disturbing pattern of unexplained and uninvestigated killings of military and security officers, mainly those aligned with the rival clans, since President Hassan Sheikh took office in May 2022.

Dozens of such cases have gone unresolved, further eroding public trust in the government’s commitment to justice and accountability.

President Hassan Sheikh was quick to issue a statement expressing condolences for Colonel Farey’s death last Saturday.

“Commander Nur Farey was a loyal fighter who sacrificed his life to defend the nation and uphold the freedom of the Somali people,” read the statement released by Villa Somalia.

It added that the federal government is launching a “thorough investigation into the terrorist attack” and remains determined to intensify efforts against extremist groups.

Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, meanwhile, issued a strongly worded condemnation of the killing and called for an independent investigation.

“Commander Nur Farey was a national hero—skilled, loyal, and a born leader,” Sharif said. “His death is not only a loss to the army but to the entire nation. I urge the Somali National Army Command and federal authorities to conduct a full, transparent investigation so that those responsible are held accountable.”

Despite official statements, many military officers including Farey’s colleagues remain skeptical about whether any meaningful investigation will take place, citing the government’s history of failing to pursue justice in similar cases.

As Colonel Farey is laid to rest, the questions surrounding his death cast a long shadow over Somalia’s already volatile political and security landscape.

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According to sources within the army, the withdrawal followed the execution of six Hawadle soldiers by a rival clan last Thursday in El Baraf.

Armed clan militia reportedly ambushed the soldiers in their vehicle before killing them at point-blank range.

In response, the Somali government dispatched Intelligence Director Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbalolshe and the SNA Infantry Commander to Jowhar on Friday to address the situation.

Despite these efforts, soldiers stationed at Hawadley positions in Middle Shabelle began vacating their posts along the frontline with Al-Shabaab in protest over the killings.

A jubilant crowd greeted the arriving Hawadle forces in Jalalaqsi on Sunday evening.

Celebrations included loud music, gunfire into the air, and clapping by men and women lining the streets.

Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlaawe condemned the killings.

However, attempts to prevent the soldiers from leaving the frontline have so far proven unsuccessful.

There has yet to be any official comment from the Ministry of Defense or the Somali National Army command regarding the incident.

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According to security officials in Jowhar, the soldiers were traveling from their base when their vehicle was ambushed by the rival clan Ma’awisley militia.

All six soldiers were killed at point-blank range, while a seventh soldier survived but remains unaccounted for.

Jalalaqsi District Commissioner Nuur Dheere confirmed the attack was likely clan-related, as the victims were targeted based on their clan identity.

All six slain soldiers were members of the Ma’awisley militia from the Hiiraan region who joined the Somali army in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

Hirshabelle State President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlawe condemned the killings as a “brutal and un-Islamic act,” stating that it violated Somali cultural values and human rights.

“This heinous act goes against Islamic law, Somali morals, and human rights. I am ordering the security forces to bring the perpetrators to justice within 24 hours,” read a statement from the presidency.

Heightened Tensions

The incident has inflamed pre-existing tensions between the Hirshabelle State government and the Hiiraan clans.

El Baraf has been the center of ongoing clashes between Hawadle and Abgaal militias, and the attack has further destabilized the region.

On Friday, more than 250 Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers from the Hawadle clan vacated their base in Hawadley village, located 18 kilometers from Jowhar, the seat of the Hirshabelle state.

Hawadley serves as a key buffer zone for Jowhar, hosting Somali Army forces engaged in combating Al-Shabaab militants who control much of the surrounding region.

The withdrawal of the SNA soldiers from strategic positions pose significant risks to the security of Jowhar.

The withdrawal of Hawadle soldiers was a direct protest against the El Baraf incident.

Later Friday, Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency Director Abdullahi Mohamed Ali (Sanbalolshe) and SNA Infantry Commander Khalid Abdullahi arrived in Jowhar via a helicopter from Mogadishu.

Sanbalolshe, a member of the Hawadle clan, and Khalid Abdullahi, a former Al-Shabaab defector and ex-Jubaland intelligence commander who was later promoted to SNA infantry commander, are reportedly planning to visit Hawadley to defuse tensions and persuade Hawadle forces to return to their positions.

In Jowhar, Hirshabelle State President Guudlawe held an emergency meeting with advisers and elders from his clan on Friday afternoon.

Sources told our reporter the meeting aimed to address the unfolding crisis and explore ways to restore stability.

A source at the regional president’s office suggest that Abgaal clan elders, alongside Hirshabelle State officials, are attempting to offer diya (blood money) to the Hawadle clan for the six soldiers killed in El Baraf to settle down the crisis.

Meanwhile, the crisis is spreading beyond Middle Shabelle.

In Beledweyne, tax officials at the Hirshabelle revenue collection point in Bundo Weyne vacated their posts on Friday, handing the facility over to rival Hiiraan State.

This move was widely interpreted as a protest against the killings in El Baraf, but officials we spoke to are hoping to cool down the situation.

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The conflict involves the Darwish police force, trained by the European Union and the United Nations, affiliated with the Southwest state and predominantly composed of Rahanweyn clan members, and the military from the Somali national army and mainly trained in Uganda and Ethiopia, primarily consisting of Hawiye clan members.

Both sides are vying for control of the city and its resources, including revenue collection checkpoints. The Monday clashes began after Darwish force killed a member of the military, according to local media reports.

The casualties reported thus far include combatants from both factions as well as innocent civilians residing in the area. Terrified residents have sought refuge in buildings since Monday afternoon as the intensity of the gun battle increased throughout Tuesday.

A significant concern for local civilians is their inability to flee the city, as roads outside Barawe are under the control of al-Shabaab, a militant group that poses a threat to all, including civilians.

Halima Omar, a resident of Barawe, expressed the community’s desperation, stating, “We don’t know what to do because we cannot flee. There is a relative calm today, but we are unsure of the future as both factions continue to oppose each other from their positions.”

Each side has blamed the other for initiating the conflict. Abdirahman Elmi, a military commander, claimed that his forces were attacked by the Rahanweyn men, leading to the death of one soldier. However, officers from the Darwish police unit refuted these allegations.

Meanwhile, a group of lawmakers from the Rahanweyn community held a press conference in Mogadishu, accusing certain individuals within the military of employing clan motives, which could further exacerbate the conflict.

MP Abdirashid Jili, stated, “Clan fighting has been ongoing in Somalia, and no clan has emerged victorious. The security forces of the Southwest state were attacked by the military. We cannot allow this to happen. We will seek answers.”

While relative calm has been reported on Wednesday, both armed factions remain fortified in their defensive positions, heightening the risk of further confrontations. Business activities and schools in the area have remained closed as locals express uncertainty about the situation.

The military has taken control of the Barawe airstrip and significant portions of the city, while the Darwish police force has barricaded themselves at the state house building. Journalists on the ground have reported an influx of armed reinforcements and weapons for both sides.

The clashes in Barawe mark the third instance of clan-based violence in the Lower Shabelle region. For years, the Biyamal and Habar-Gidir clans have been engaged in conflict over control and resources in and around Marka town, the regional capital. Recently, deadly fighting erupted between the Galje’el and Shan Alemod clans in and around Yaaqbiriweyne. The escalation of such violence underscores the deep-rooted challenges posed by clan divisions in Somalia, threatening stability and the well-being of communities across the country.

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