Somali Navy Commander Suspended Over Corruption Allegations

General Odowaa Yusuf Raage, Commander of the Somali National Army (SNA), has suspended the Commander of the Somali Navy and Coastal Defense Forces, General Abdi Warsame Osman Malin, over allegations of corruption.

In a decree issued by General Odowaa, the Navy Commander was relieved of his duties and placed under house arrest pending an investigation into the corruption charges.

“Effective immediately, Major General Abdi Warsame Osman Malin is to remain under house arrest until the investigation into his case is concluded,” the decree stated.

The SNA Chief underscored that the investigation would extend to the Navy and Coastal Defense Command as a whole, amid growing suspicions of widespread corruption within the unit.

“The suspension is due to corruption allegations. Brigadier General Abdiwahid Ali Afrah will temporarily take over the leadership of the Navy and Coastal Defense Forces,” the decree added.

The suspension comes after multiple complaints were reportedly filed against the Navy Command, prompting General Odowaa to act decisively by suspending the highest-ranking officer in the unit and initiating a full-scale investigation.

The decree, which was shared with the Navy and Coastal Defense Command and the Headquarters of the Somali National Army reportedly instructed the relevant offices to fulfill their duties and cooperate with the investigation.

The Somali National Army has recently established a specialized oversight department tasked with investigating corruption, espionage, and any activities that deviate from the army’s national mandate.

Odowaa indicated that the latest move reflects the military’s intensified efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability within its ranks.