Kigali, 7 October 2025

The Chief of Defence Forces of the Somali National Armed Forces (CDF-SNAF), Major General Odawa Yusuf Rage, and his delegation today visited the Rwanda Defence Force Headquarters in Kimihurura as part of their six-day working visit to Rwanda. The visit aims to strengthen the existing defence cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces.

During the visit, Major General Odawa Yusuf Rage held a meeting with the Rwandan Minister of Defence, Honourable Juvenal Marizamunda, and the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, General MK Mubarakh.

The visit by the Chief of Defence Forces of the Somali National Armed Forces aligns with the SNAF's strategic plan to strengthen defence cooperation and mutual support among East African partners, which is considered as a critical factor in transforming security gains into sustainable peace and long-term regional stability.

During the meeting, the Somali National Armed Forces delegation was briefed on regional security dynamics, including Rwanda's contribution to Peace and Security in Africa.

The Somali National Armed Forces delegation also visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where they paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The delegation will also visit the MoD/RDF-affiliated agencies, as well as the Campaign against Genocide Museum.