Saturday November 23, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and several prominent politicians attended a remembrance and prayer ceremony in Mogadishu on Friday, honoring the life and legacy of former Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Silanyo.
President Mohamud praised Silanyo's calm demeanor and pivotal role in advancing the Somalia-Somaliland dialogue during their respective terms in office. "He was a man of peace, a leader who did not get angry," Mohamud said, recounting a meeting during which Silanyo expressed hope for mutual understanding between Somaliland and Somalia.
Other dignitaries, including Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama, Finance Minister Bihi Imaan Egeh, Minister of Public Works Dr. Elmi Mohamud Nur, and former Deputy Prime Minister Mahdi Guuleed, reflected on Silanyo's contributions to politics and society, highlighting his commitment to public service.
Born in Buro in 1938, Silanyo served as Somalia's Minister of Planning and International Cooperation (1965–1973, 1980–1982), Minister of Trade (1973–1978), and Somaliland's Minister of Finance (1997–1999). As chairman of the Somali National Movement (SNM) from 1984 to 1990, Silanyo played a leading role in the movement that ousted the regime of Mohamed Siyad Barre.
After Somaliland's unilateral declaration of independence in 1991, Silanyo founded the ruling Kulmiye party and served as its president from 2010 to 2017. His tenure focused on political stability and economic development, earning him widespread respect within Somaliland and beyond.
Silanyo retired from politics in 2017 due to age and health concerns, spending his final years in Hargeisa, where he passed away at 86.