Somaliland.Org

Herewith our tribute to the late Ali Jirde: 

                        “  In remembrance of Marxum Ali Sheikh Mohamed    

While it is true that “Geeridu waa haq”, we cannot help being saddened by the telephone messages that reached us today conveying the news of the death of Ali Sheikh Mohamed better known as “Ali Jirde”. 

To Ali’s countless friends who followed his outstanding career over the years he was regarded as a refined, decent, trustworthy and hardworking person. A man whose outstanding character and achievements reflected the qualities that all of us would xpect to find in a genuine friend, a diligent mentor, an outstanding scholar, and a philanthropist.  

Those of us who were privileged to meet and know Ali soon after he completed the first part of his engineering studies in the Sudan in 1938, looked upon him as the forerunner of a new cadre of educated Somali personnel who would eventually become the core of Somaliland’s professional class.  Ali earned the honour the hard way – he had worked for it. However, the responsibilities accompanying the honour were onerous, because should Ali fail to live up to expectations he could jeopardize the opportunities of many who might follow in his footsteps. Ali rose to the occasion and his achievements were spectacular in many ways. His stay in the Sudan, although preparatory, earned him the unique reputation of being a good scholar and an outstanding sportsman. His progress did not stop there. On his return to Somaliland in January 1938 he not only worked hard but persevered with his studies and increased his interest in sport.  Nationally, Ali became well known for his athletic abilities, particularly as a footballer, hockey player, tennis player and later in life as a golfer. Ten years of advanced training and practical work in Somaliland’s Public Works Department, notably in Sheikh where he was a leading figure in the construction of the country’s first boy’s boarding school, helped to build his reputation and win recognition.  In time his abilities qualified him for a full scholarship to the United Kingdom in 1948 where he studied and secured an Engineering degree.  

Following independence in June 1960 and Somaliland’s subsequent and union with Somalia,  Ali Jirde was transferred to Mogadishu to take charge of the country’s Public Works Department. He spent a great deal of time organizing the new department so that it could meet with the development challenges of the time. However, he did not stay long because continued political interference in the technical management of the department forced him to apply for retirement.  He joined the private sector and soon became a successful businessman where his talents, vision and charisma found a congenial outlet. In a relatively short space of time he was awarded the agencies of several large foreign concerns, and served in the new state as the representative of several foreign governments  that had interests in the country.  

Being a man of firm belief in justice, fair play and peace, Ali Jirde tried his utmost to stop the senseless conflict that broke out in Mogadishu during the final stages of the   Barre regime – on occasion at great risk to his life.  But the most perilous period he experienced occurred during the journey that he his family embarked  upon after circumstances in Mogadishu forced them to flee the capital and make their way to the safety of Somaliland.  Less than half way through the journey the escort that had been recruited to guard and supervise the safety of the passengers in the motorized convoy rebelled and    took the law into their own hands.  The guards threatened the lives of all passengers in the convoy, including Ali and his family, looted everyone of their personal possessions,  including food and water, forced the passengers  from their vehicles and, at gun point,  abandoned them in the desert, and drove away in their vehicles.  The victims had to walk for hours under a blazing sun before help was reached.  Fortunately Ali and his family found friends along the journey who helped them to reach Hargeisa safely. Ali did not allow that terrifying experience to dampen either his spirit or his resolve to do whatever he could to help his people wherever and whenever possible.  

On his return to Somaliland, Ali lost no time in adapting to the new conditions that surrounded him. No sooner than he had resettled his family, he immediately began making contacts with relatives and friends,  he renewed past business connections, began preparing plans for the future, and, with  characteristic flair commenced immersing himself in the social and official  life of the community. His services were eagerly sought. The newly formed Somaliland government constantly sought his advice on technical and engineering matters, as well as on the plight of thousands of workers from different ministries who had been displaced by the conflict in Mogadishu and forced to return to their birthplace.  In addition Ali  was asked to take charge of the local branch and programme of the Red Crescent society.   Shortly afterwards, Ali  made his services available to help in the establishment of  a charitable funded center in Hargeisa  that made and fitted  prosthetics to mine victims who had suffered the loss of one or both legs.  Age was not the deciding factor in Ali’s approach to life.  As long as a person had the will to perform a service, and the strength and ability to carry it out, that person’s age had little or no relevance.   Ali was well over 90 years of age when he died, yet at the time of his death he was still responsible for the management of the Center for Amputee Victims as well as and for the affairs of the local Red Crescent.     

Each one of us named below had the good fortune of meeting Ali Jirde at one or more stages of his lifetime. We will always remember him as a role model for those who want to make the best of their lives in the service of the people and of the nation. Ilaahay naxariisti janno ha ka waraabiyo aamin. And to his brothers and sisters, as well as to his other relatives and dear ones, we send our condolences on the great loss they have suffered. 

1. Abdulrahim Abby Farah and family.
2. Mahmoud Nur and family
3. Abdullahi Haji Ahmed and family
4. Mohamed Abdullahi Abby Farah
5. Hassan Abdullahi Abby Farah                                      9 October 2008