Hargeisa, Somaliland: In a series of high-profile appointments, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro has named Lieutenant General Nimcaan Yusuf Osman Gaaxnuug as the new military commander and Abdirahman Abdillahi Hassan Abdi Dhere as the new police chief. These appointments come as part of a broader push to modernize the leadership of the country’s security institutions and reflect a growing trend towards youth leadership in the Somaliland government.
Lieutenant General Gaaxnuug, who is the youngest officer ever to be appointed to the highest military post in Somaliland, brings an impressive educational background to the role. He holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in military science from universities in Ethiopia and the United Kingdom, with a specialization in international security and military leadership. Additionally, Gaaxnuug is currently pursuing a PhD in advanced military studies at a university in Taiwan, underscoring his commitment to enhancing his strategic expertise. His appointment is seen as a bold move by President Irro, who has been increasingly placing young, well-educated professionals in key government positions.
Abdirahman Abdillahi Hassan Abdi Dhere, the new police chief, has a long history in the Somaliland military, having previously served as the military spokesperson and holding one of the highest-ranking positions within the armed forces. His transition to the police chief role comes at a time of significant reform within the country’s security apparatus. Former police chief Mohamed Aden Saqadhi ‘Dabagale’, a seasoned military officer, has been appointed as the president’s special advisor on police affairs. Dabagale, who holds military science degrees from institutions in the United Kingdom, is expected to bring decades of experience to his advisory position.
Alongside these changes, former military chief Nuuh Ismail Taani, who served as the longest-tenured commander in the history of the Somaliland military, has been named as President Irro’s advisor on military affairs. Taani’s extensive experience is expected to provide valuable guidance to the new leadership in navigating both domestic and international military challenges.
In a further demonstration of President Irro’s commitment to strengthening Somaliland’s security forces, a Wednesday presidential decree announced a significant 50% salary increase for the armed forces, which is set to take effect in the 2025 fiscal year. The salary increase, which is part of a larger plan promised by Irro during his campaign, will be the first of several annual raises aimed at bolstering the compensation of military personnel. The president had committed to raising military salaries by up to 250% during his first term, a promise that is now beginning to materialize.
In addition to the salary increases, the presidential decree mandates the implementation of an IRIS Biometric Registration System for all members of the Somaliland armed forces. Registration for this system is scheduled to begin on February 1, 2025, and is expected to be completed within 30 days. This initiative is part of broader efforts to modernize and streamline the country’s military and police services, making them more efficient and accountable.
These moves by President Irro highlight a strong commitment to reforming and professionalizing Somaliland’s security institutions while also empowering a new generation of leaders. The appointment of young, well-educated individuals to top military and police positions signals a shift towards a more dynamic and modern approach to governance in Somaliland, with a focus on both military readiness and international cooperation.
As these reforms take shape, the world will be watching closely to see how the new leadership steers Somaliland through its security challenges and enhances the overall effectiveness of its defense and law enforcement agencies.
