Hassan Sheikh Mohamud: Why the savior is reelected and what he should focus.
After 15 months of election delays, sabotage, political unrest, violence, and general uncertainty, Somalia legislatures reelected Former President H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud marking a new era in the history of Somali politics. When Somalia’s history is written, Hassan Sheik Mohamud will be the first person to win a presidential race twice.
While there were many qualified candidates on the ballot, former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was not only the most viable candidate but also the sharpest tool in the toolbox. This article highlights why Hassan Sheik is the most suitable person this time around and what he should focus on during this new mandate. One may reflect on the background of H.E. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and compare and contrast him with the rest of the political aspirants in the race.
In Twelfth Night, the famous English poet and playwright William Shakespeare once said, “some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” President Hassan Sheik wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth. In essence, one can argue he has had greatness thrust upon him by the Almighty.
He comes from an extremely humble background and has achieved greatness during the civil war in Somalia. In 1990s, when most current political critics were fleeing helter-skelter, Hassan decided to risk his life and his family to serve his nation. He answered the call when his nation needed him the most, not when it was convenient for him.
He understood that without changing the mindset of Somali youth exposed to violence, killing, rape, looting, harassment, piracy, displacement, and suicide bombings, they would continue to contribute directly to crimes against humanity and the prevailing political crisis. He decided to provide accessible and quality education when resources were non-existence, Somalia was isolated from the rest of the world, and security was in a dire situation.
In alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children, he recognized a child’s right to education. He returned from overseas at the height of civil strife with a graduate degree to alter the course of his country by educating the younger generation. In addition to establishing numerous primary and secondary schools, he established and led what will become the Ivy League of Somalia: SIMAD University.
In addition to educating tens of thousands, he mentored and coached many of them. Today, many of his former students are respected political leaders, members of parliaments, former ministers, etc. On my recent visit to Mogadishu, I realized that SIMAD University not only trains 21st-century scholars, engineers, and doctors, but it also runs multiple services, such as a Legal Aid program, the first of its kind in the country. Despite living in Somalia most of his life, Hassan possesses an unmatched global vision for the country.
When Hassan was risking his life, some of his critics worked for warlords, and others couldn’t be trusted to aid their immediate families, let alone address societal challenges. The conflict and crisis that consumed the fabric of the Somali Nation actually defined his character. Despite the relentless attack and character assassination engineered by Farmajo and his allies, Hassan was still seen as a “savior”.
In addition, for the first time in five years plus, the country is gradually emerging from a political coma, darkness, and confusion. The country became deeply polarized and almost reached the point of state collapse. The mistrust between the Federal government and federal member states grew significantly. Now more than ever, Somalia needs a political statesman who will bring the country together to dress and heal these open wounds.
Hassan Sheik is not only a veteran politician but also an eloquent and charismatic leader with an easy smile and enjoys a great rapport with many leaders across the aisle. He has a natural talent to easily engage both the public and partners at the international level. The absence of his “servant leadership” was felt during the past five-plus years when the population felt like it was being driven by a drunk driver.
Most people considered Hassan a reputable and political pragmatist long before joining politics. His conciliatory acceptance speech has already brought fresh waves of optimism.
Unlike the former president, Hassan Sheik believes and breathes in the rule of law. On many occasions, he repeatedly stated that Somalia needs the supremacy of the constitutions but not a supreme leader.
Philosophically, he believes in democracy, human rights, freedom of speech, and the rule of law. For the past five-plus years, Somalis witnessed the militarization of political differences, oppression of opposition leaders, attempted assassination, and the use of force when diplomatic channels were available and open. Most Somalis believe he will re-establish the customs of his previous presidency and engage his critics in public forums, respect their views and perspective, address and answer their concerns, and, most importantly, listen to his critics with open ears and complete and undivided attention.
It’s noteworthy that Hassan Sheik inherited a newly written provisional constitution with limited government infrastructure. For four short years, he established all federal member states except Puntland, pacified Al-Shabab from most regions, and spearheaded the first indirect election since the first transitional government was formed in neighboring Djibouti in 2000. This wasn’t an easy or little accomplishment for then-newcomer Hassan.
He accomplished all these achievements against the backdrop of regional pressure. Another major achievement that resonated with the electors yesterday was his role in stopping Kenyan’s desire to claim Somalia’s territorial water, empowering women, and youth by appointing them to key positions such as Deputy Prime Minister, Governor of Central Bank, and other critical ministerial and parastatals roles. Unlike his competitors that relied on bribing MPs or buying votes, Hassan Sheik is surrounded by people who believe in his vision and political ideology. He is the only man surrounded by political heavyweights and loyal supporters from all Somalis.
Continued..................H.E. Hassan Sheik returned to the office as a former president and after serving five years as an opposition leader. No one with that kind of experience and exposure has ever led the country during such a turbulent time. That is why, the legislative chamber considered him as the right man for the right job. Therefore, he must focus on the followings.