Chief of Defence Force (Somalia)
| Chief of the Defence Force | |
|---|---|
| Taliyaha Ciidanka Xooga Somaaliyeed (Somali) | |
Coat of arms of the Armed Forces | |
since 9 November 2024 | |
| Somali Armed Forces | |
| Style | Jaale |
| Type | Chief of staff |
| Status | Highest ranking military officer |
| Abbreviation | CDF |
| Appointer | President of Somalia |
| Term length | 2 years |
| Formation | 12 April 1960 |
| First holder | Daud Abdulle Hirsi |
| Unofficial names | Commander of the Somali Armed Forces, Commander of the Somali National Army |
The Chief of Defence Force (Somali: Taliyaha Ciidanka Xooga Somaaliyeed) is the professional head of the Somali Armed Forces. He is responsible for the administration and the operational control of all branches of the Somali military (Army, Navy and Air Force) and thus is the direct superior to both the Chief of the Navy and the Chief of the Air Force. The post has however only been held by Army officers and the term limit is 2 years. Typically the rank held by the Chiefs is major general.
Odawa Raage served from 22 August 2019 to June 2023. He was promoted to major-general in the last days of his tenure, being listed as such in a Somali government briefing of 21 June 2023. He was reappointed on 9 November 2024.