Shapers of Nation --Ten visionary leaders in Politics and Diplomacy inspired for me "

 

1 :last elected Prime Minister Mohamed Haji ibraahin cigaal

 

May Allah have mercy on him, Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Cigaal was born in 1928 in the western town of Oodweyne. He began his primary education in the schools of Berbera and Burao. He later attended Sheikh Intermediate School in Sheikh. After graduating, he went to England for further education. During his youth, he grew up in the towns of Burao, Berbera, and Sheikh, where he completed his education in Quranic schools and the Sheikh school.

 

He pursued higher education related to business in London, Britain, and returned to his country in the early 1950s when the SNL (Somali National League) movement for independence was active. In 1956, Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Cigaal was elected as the Secretary General of the SNL party, which was advocating for the independence of the Northern Regions. On May 12, 1960, Mohamed Ibrahim Cigaal signed the agreement for the Northern Regions to gain independence from the British government on June 26, 1960. This agreement was signed with notable figures including Ali Garaad Jama, Haji Ibrahim Noor, Ahmed Keyse Ducaale, and Mahmoud Abdullahi.

After the Northern Regions achieved independence on June 26, 1960, Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Cigaal became the first leader of the Northern Regions. He delivered a historic speech to the Northern Regions' representatives in 1960. Among his words was, “I believe it is widely known that the Colonel Secretary’s response was that things did not go as we wished. I think you are all aware of the situation.”

On July 1, 1960, the Northern and Southern Regions of Somalia united to form the Republic of Somalia. Abdullah Issa and Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Cigaal, along with other members from the two regions, were immediately appointed to lead the country. On July 20, 1961, Somalia’s constitution was ratified.

When Cigaal arrived in Mogadishu, another committee was assigned to bring the Somali flag to Southern Somalia, which had also gained independence from Italian colonial rule. It was agreed to elect Abdullah Issa as the President of the new Republic of Somalia, with Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Cigaal appointed as Prime Minister on June 26, 1960, and they held these positions until July 1, 1960.

Some of the most significant roles Cigaal held included being Somalia's first Minister of Defense, followed by a reorganization where he became Minister of Education. In mid-1962, he resigned from this position, and with Sheikh Ali Ismail Yacoub and Sheikh Ali Jimcale, he founded the SNC party, later joining the SYL party.

 

On July 10, 1967, Cigaal became Somalia's Prime Minister when Abdirashid Ali Shermarke was elected President. Cigaal was re-elected as Prime Minister in the 1969 elections, but on October 21, 1969, a military coup led by Mohamed Siad Barre occurred in Somalia.

Mohamed Ibrahim Cigaal was the last elected Prime Minister of Somalia and was imprisoned until February 1981, except for a brief period from 1975 to 1976 when he served as Somalia's Ambassador to New Delhi, India. He was soon returned to prison. In 1985, Cigaal was appointed Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, but he refused the position and resigned immediately.

President Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Egal, a significant figure in Somali and Somaliland politics, made many notable statements during his time as a leader. Here are a few quotes attributed to him:

1. On Somaliland's Independence

  Somaliland is born from the ashes of a failed union. Our destiny is self-determination, and our future is in our hands."

2. On Peace and Unity

 Peace is the foundation upon which nations are built. Without peace, there can be no progress, no development, and no future."

3. On Leadership

 A leader must listen to his people, for their voice is the true guide to governance."

4. On Challenges Facing Somaliland

We may be small, and our resources limited, but our will to survive and thrive is stronger than any obstacle in our path."

5. On Governance

 Good governance is not just about leadership; it's about transparency, accountability, and serving the interests of the people."

khader ismail Osman {Gelle}