Beletweyne – For nearly four decades, Col. Abdourahman Rayale has dedicated his life to military service.
Yet beyond the uniform, medals and command responsibilities is a calm, thoughtful man driven by a deep sense of duty, not only to his country, Djibouti, but also to neighbouring Somalia, where he has spent years working to restore peace and stability.
Currently serving as the Sector 4 Commander under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Col. Abdourahman oversees one of the most strategic and challenging regions in the country. Soft-spoken and composed, he carries the confidence of a seasoned officer whose military journey began in 1987.
His career has taken him through some of the world’s most prestigious military institutions. He received military training in Djibouti before attending renowned academies, including the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, the U.S. Artillery Military College, the National Defence College and War College, as well as military institutions in Ethiopia.
The extensive training prepared him for a career that would span multiple countries and complex security operations like his current posting in Somalia.
“I am a father of seven children and some grandchildren,” he said with a smile. “I was inspired to join the military to defend my country, its sovereignty and its dignity. If you ask me, I believe that is the most valuable thing to do in life.”
That commitment to service extends beyond Djibouti’s borders. Having served a combined eight years in Somalia, Col. Abdourahman sees his mission as both professional and personal.
He believes Djibouti owes Somalia a debt of gratitude for supporting its struggle for independence from France in 1977. Somalia, he noted, also supported many other African countries.
“Somalia stood with Djibouti when we were fighting for our independence, so now we are obliged to be with them to return the favour,” he said.
Under his leadership, Sector 4, which covers parts of Hiiraan and Galgaduud regions and includes forces from Djibouti and Ethiopia, has played a critical role in rebuilding state institutions and combating Al-Shabaab.
One achievement he takes pride in is helping establish the foundations of local governance and security in Beletweyne.
“When we first deployed here, there were no government forces or local administration,” Col. Abdourahman recalled. “We started building the forces from scratch, training them and supporting the establishment of the local administration with contribution of the clan elders and the Federal Government.”
Today, agriculturally rich Beletweyne is part of Hirshabele State and is enjoying the fruits of that initial sacrifice the AUSSOM forces made to help bring back stability, helping it regains its past glory as the breadbasket for many drier areas in Somalia.
The Sector later spearheaded military operations that liberated key towns including Bula Burde, Jalalaqsi, Halgan and Mahas. The victories came at a high cost, with troops enduring days and sometimes weeks in harsh conditions while facing ambushes and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from Al-Shabaab.
Despite significant challenges, including reduced troop numbers, limited equipment and a limited air support, Col. Abdourahman remains optimistic about Somalia’s future, calling for partnership against common threats.
“To the Somali public, I tell them AUSSOM is not an occupying force; it is a mission that came to help you overcome the security challenges you have been facing. Please work closely with us,” he said.
Far from his family in Djibouti, Col. Abdourahman balances command responsibilities with fatherhood and grandfatherhood through modern communication technology. Yet his focus remains unwavering.
His mission is clear: to help Somalia achieve lasting peace. And after 39 years in uniform, Col. Abdourahman Rayale is showing no signs of slowing down.