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Remembering late Mr. Jama Mahamoud Haid governor of Djibouti Central
Bank
A year and two weeks passed since we were shocked with the death of
a gigantic persona lity, a leader and shrewd economist. This makes me
reflect what I have said then and there.
It was a night, Friday was the day, 11th of January 2013, and I was
alone in my room. I sw itched on my laptop to update my nightly
information about the home country and its envi rons. I hit Gabiley.net and my eyes caught a dreadful news item that sent an
electric shock to my heart. The death of great leader, gigantic
personality and dear friend, Mr. Jama Mah amoud Haid is announced. I
have no one to share with this calamity but my heart and mind. I
recited 11 times the Ikhlas sura and prayed Allah with Fatah to
safe-guide Jama’s soul to the heaven.
My sincere condolence to his family, other relatives, friends, the
government and the peo ple of Djibouti, headed by the President of
Djibouti HE Ismail Omer Guelleh and first lady, th e sister of the
deceased Mrs. Khadra Mahamoud Haid.
It is like this time, we remember how vulnerable we are, how
temporary our life is and how our days are counted. Each day gone
reduces our life span and each night passed is another one less.
Continuously we are stepping, however slow it may seem, towards our
grave. We know not the moment we say goodbye to this world, but
certainly we know we shall face that eventuality sooner or later.
That is one of the few certainty shared by all humanity regardless
of status, creed and colour.
Jama Mahamoud was a sagacious economist and shrewd financier. He
governed Djibouti Central Bank for nearly two decades, a tenure
second to none in length and quality. The economic growth, wealth
creation and financial stability, Djibouti accomplished during his
reign, tantamount to Jama’s success story.
With his savoir faire and dedication, Djibouti attracted huge
foreign investment from Arabi a and afar. In a region of turbulent
economy and quivering currency, he stabilized Djibouti Franc
avoiding potential inflation. With its skimpy population Djibouti’s
budget reached ove r one billion dollar annually, a figure relatively
too lofty for the countries in the region.
Socially Jama was a man of society, with leadership that knew no
national frontier. His dea th is felt throughout the region:
Djibouti, Somaliland, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya. He devo ted to
the wellbeing of all citizens in the region, sticking together with
shared conviction to get a great leap forward for regional
development. He was truly passionate for regional cooperation.
Jama was a true son of two states but one nation: Djibouti and
Somaliland. He spent great effort and time to maintain natural
brotherhood between these two states. He never allo wed any crack,
tear and wear of the times to leave an open wound. This friendship
is clea rly manifested by the mourning of Somalilanders in every town
and village. Planes started to come and go by the hour for two days,
picking mourners to attend his interment.
I met men and women of all walks of life in mourning and they all
agreed that Jama was a true son of both countries, a devoted Muslim
and man of mercy and dignity. He was short in talk but long in
deeds. He was selfless nationalist and helping hand to the needy and
po or. His charity extended beyond Djibouti. It reached all Somali
inhabited regions in the Horn of Africa.
Personally, it was few months ago when I phoned him asking about the
Islamic Banking Con ference that had been held in Djibouti. His voice
was calm, calculated and precise. He gave all I need and invited me
to visit Djibouti. Surprisingly he articulated in a friendly tone,
that he never expected I would be out of his reach in this long
since my appointment. We agree d to meet by the end of January. Alas
it never happened. Truly, it is said man proposes and Allah
disposes. To me his death is so painful and of great individual
loss. I was looking forw ard to a new, refreshed cooperation between
us and within our corresponding positions. I had a good working plan
intact. With the minutes I spent with him over the phone, I
disce rned how bright, sharp and open minded Jama was, and how he
ponders for the benefit of Djibouti in every minute of his time.
Equally he presumed as own duty to work-out for any project that
lends a hand to both countries.
I hope his successor will fill his shoes fully and at ease. I
anticipate our corresponding capa cities will be shoved to the profit
of both our countries, and I look forward to maintain our brotherly
two states closer and closer, for we are one people.
Jama did the best he can, and left a history written in gold and
diamond. Generations will remember him and his deeds will be
reflected in perpetuity. His good performance will go with him to
the grave and stay with him to serve as his witnesses in the Day of
Judgment. That is engraved in our Islamic religion. Do good deeds
and it will be with you forever.
Let us all, friends and relatives pray Allah to forgive Jama and
bestow him the best of hea vens: Jantul Fardaws, Ameen. And let us
preserve all good deeds he initiated in eternity.
With heart full of sorrow, I share with Djibouti government and
people, the loss of this gre at personality, a son of two states and
one people: Djibouti and Somaliland.
Mr. Ahmed Hassan Arwo
Somaliland Presidential Economic Advisor.
Presidential Palace, Hargeysa
Somaliland
Tel: 002522 409 6421
Eci.advisor@gmail.com
samotalis@gmail.com
http://samotalis.blogspot.com/
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