Saturday November 16, 2024
Hargeisa (HOL) — Former Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Silanyo, a key figure in the region’s political history, died Friday night in Hargeisa at 86, his family confirmed.
Silanyo served as the leader of the Somali National Movement (SNM), the founder of the ruling Kulmiye party, and later became President of Somaliland from 2010 to 2017.
Born in Buro in 1938, Silanyo also served as the Somali Republic’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation from 1965 to 1973, as Minister of Trade from 1973 to 1978 and again from 1980 to 1982. He also held the roles of Somaliland Minister of Finance (1997–1999) and member of the House of Representatives (1993–1996).
As chairman of the SNM from 1984 to 1990, Silanyo played a pivotal role in the movement that ousted the military regime of Mohamed Siyad Barre. Following the collapse of Barre’s government, Somaliland declared independence in 1991, though it remains unrecognized internationally.
During his presidency, Silanyo championed political reforms and infrastructure development. He is also remembered for his fierce opposition to the administration of President Dahir Riyale Kahin from 2002 to 2010, which culminated in his election victory.
Silanyo retired from politics in 2017 due to age and health issues, spending his final years in Hargeisa.