By M.A. Egge
The newly installed youthful Chief of Defense Forces Brigadier General Nim’aan Yusuf Gahnuug, has pledged to lead the national army during his tenure within the threshold of equality, justice and consultation and be a unifying figure of the entire national army.
The commander was speaking at the well attended handover ceremony where he took over from the former Commander of the National Army, Major General Nuuh Ismail Taani, on Thursday.
He thanked the Head of State for appointing him to lead the Somaliland National Army, an onerous task of a coveted portfolio.
He also hailed the former chief for a job well done crediting him as having given many young people in the national army, including himself, the opportunity to gain knowledge abroad and creating a new generation that can lead the national army.
Commander Nim’aan described the National Army is a most important pillar for, and of, the existence of our country’s nationhood. He pointed out that it is high time to further and strengthen the capabilities, quality and dignity of the forces.
In conclusion, he underpinned the fact that he would work as per the policy of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the President of Somaliland H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi Irro, which was to have a formidable national army worth its capabilities.
The former Commander of the National Army, Major General Nuuh Taani, on his part delivered a speech that touched on many aspects, which included advisories, encouragement and outlines of the stages that the National Army went through during his time at the helm.
Major General Nuuh noted that he was humbled by the fact that his successor happens to be one of his own protégés.
He said, “It is a great pleasure for me to hand over the command to my student, my son Nima’an.”
He spoke extensively about his time in the military, and how in 2005 he sent 25 soldiers for further training abroad that happened to include the new commander.
He described his successor as an individual with extensive knowledge of military relations in the field of foreign affairs, having worked with the military in many countries around the world and in Africa.
He further described him as an active person who has patience, a good attitude, and is highly skilled and knowledgeable.
The former commander mentioned that during his leadership many young people from the national army were sent to study abroad and neighboring countries to acquire various knowledge in different disciplines including doctors, engineers, and military sciences, all of whom have taken leading positions in their fields of study and brought great success to the national army.