The Somali government has restructured its national army, appointing new commanders for the new intelligence divisions and logistics support. These officers have been trained for the last 2 years and taking several courses inside the country and outside the country.
A new reconnaissance and intelligence office has been established, equipped with technology and facilities for military operations. Each battalion now has a dedicated intelligence and reconnaissance unit. This reinstates a division that was disbanded in 1972 with the creation of the civilian National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). Now this office is crucial in the fight against Al-Shabaab within Somalia’s federal system.
Additionally, the logistics division, previously under the Joint Chief of Staff, now reports to the Ministry of Defense. This change is part of the Somali army’s preparation to assume security responsibilities from the African Union forces, which have been combating Al-Shabaab for 15 years. The current administration, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has decided to end the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and focus on strengthening the Somali army to ensure the country’s security independently.
