New Army Chief General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhiyadin has officially taken over the command of the Somali National Army during a very big ceremony held at the defense headquarters this week. This is a very important moment because our country is in the middle of a huge war against extremist groups and everyone is looking for a leader who can bring a fresh plan. The New Military Leadership stood in front of the flag and promised that he will work day and night to make sure that the soldiers are happy and have the best equipment to win their battles. We have seen many leaders come and go but the New Army Chief is famous for being a man who spent many years in the field with the boys so he knows exactly what they need. This New Military Leadership arrival comes at a time when the international troops are leaving so the pressure is very high on him to show that we can defend ourselves. He told the crowd that his first job as the New Military Leadership will be to visit the front lines and listen to the problems of the regular soldiers who are doing the hard work every day.
The reason why people are so excited about the New Military Leadership is because they want to see an end to the long years of fighting that have hurt our economy and our schools. This New Army Chief is expected to focus more on “discipline” and making sure that the army is professional and follows the laws of the nation. During the ceremony the President said that the New Military Leadership was chosen because of his bravery and his deep understanding of how to fight in the bushes and the small villages. We need the New Army Chief to build a strong bridge between the military and the local people so that everyone works together against the enemies of peace. This New Military Leadership appointment is not just a change of names but it is a change of strategy that hopes to liberate the remaining towns very quickly. If the New Military Leadership can keep his promise to stop corruption in the military then we will finally see a force that can stand on its own feet without needing help from the outside world.
Big Tasks for the New Military Leadership and the National Security
First the New Army Chief must find a way to pay the soldiers on time every month so they stay motivated to fight for the flag. Second under the New Army Military Leadership the army needs to improve its “intelligence gathering” so they can stop the bombs before they ever reach the city gates. Third the New Military Leadership has to work with the regional states to make sure that the state police and the national army are moving in the same direction.
Fourth the New Army Chief will be in charge of choosing which new weapons and trucks the country should buy with its limited budget. Fifth we expect the New Military Leadership to start new training programs for the young officers who will be the leaders of the future. Sixth and finally the New Army Chief must ensure that the army respects the human rights of every citizen during their operations so that the people continue to trust the soldiers in their neighborhoods.
The Vision of a Stronger Nation Under the New Military Leadership
As the New Army Chief settles into his office at the Ministry of Defense the eyes of the whole nation will be watching every move he makes. It is a very heavy burden to carry because the life of every Somali depends on how well the army performs under his command. The New Army Chief has a chance to be remembered as the hero who finally brought the peace we have been dreaming about for over thirty years. We must give him the time and the support he needs to fix the old problems and build a new military culture that is based on honor and service. The New Army Chief knows that the path ahead is full of landmines but he seems ready to face the challenge with a brave heart.
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A leader is only as good as the team he builds and we hope that he chooses the best people to help him. The New Army Chief is the start of a new chapter in our history and we hope that it is a chapter that ends with a peaceful and prosperous Somalia. Let us pray for his success and for the safety of every man and woman wearing the uniform.
