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 ”. By:
Abdirahiim Aabi Farah
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.
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.
Abdulrahim Abby Farah and family
Mahmoud Nur and family
Abdullahi Haji Ahmed and family
Mohamed Abdullahi Abby Farah
Hassan Abdullahi Abby Farah
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