The Chief of Defence Forces of Somalia, Maj Gen Odawa Yusuf Rage, is on a working visit to Rwanda aimed at strengthening the existing relationship between the militaries of the two countries. The visit began on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, and will last for six days.
Maj Gen Odawa Yusuf Rage and his delegation were received by Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, and the Chief of Defence Staff of Rwanda, Gen Mubarakh Muganga. The discussions between both sides focused on military cooperation, particularly in the context of exchanging ideas on regional security.
A statement from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) said the visit aims to enhance the existing cooperation between the Somali and Rwandan militaries, with a focus on the contribution both countries can make in peacekeeping and preventing insecurity in the region.
During the visit, the Somali military delegation visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, where they paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The delegation is also expected to visit other military institutions and entities affiliated with the Ministry of Defence.
This visit comes at a time when countries in the East African region continue seeking ways to strengthen joint efforts in addressing shared security challenges.
