Ali Mohamed Hirabe, widely known as “Ali Hagarey,” a towering figure who served as Somalia’s first Minister of Information and was among the last surviving members of the nation’s independence-era Parliament, passed away recently in Canada at the age of 107. His passing marks the close of a life spanning over a century of Somali history, from pre-independence activism to his final years as a respected elder in the diaspora.
Pioneer of Somali Sovereignty
Hirabe’s political journey began in 1943 when he joined the Somali Youth League (SYL). His deep commitment to education—reflected in his nickname “Hagarey” (one who accelerates learning)—propelled him to the role of Secretary-General of the SYL. In this capacity, he worked relentlessly to advocate for Somalia’s independence at the United Nations Trusteeship.
After independence in 1960, he was appointed Minister of Information and Tourism in the first civilian government. His tenure was defined by building the new nation’s core institutions:
- He signed the country’s first media cooperation agreement with China.
- He established three national newspapers (in Italian, English, and Arabic).
- Crucially, he sponsored 205 Somali students for technical education in Europe, investing directly in the young nation’s future talent in media, aviation, and tourism.
Life in Canada: A Voice for the Diaspora
Hirabe’s life took him to Canada after Somalia’s central government collapsed. While in exile, he did not retire from politics; instead, he continued to influence events, providing leadership and a historical perspective that proved invaluable to the diaspora community.
He remained active in shaping the political future of Somalia, co-founding major political movements including the Somali Salvation Front (SSF) (later SSDF) and the United Somali Congress (USC). His participation in drafting key political manifestos even in the 1990s cemented his status as a statesman who tirelessly championed national unity and the preservation of Somali history, regardless of where he lived.
A Mentor to Generations
For Somali Canadians and refugees, Hirabe’s legacy is that of an exemplary public servant whose values of honesty, patriotism, and dedication to fairness transcended borders.
His enduring impact includes:
- Mentorship: Inspiring and guiding thousands of Somali youth, both in Somalia and abroad.
- Civic Example: Promoting governance based on merit and equality, serving as a powerful counter-narrative to the clan-based politics that later plagued the country.
The current Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Daud Aweis, expressed condolences, acknowledging Hirabe as a dedicated public servant whose passing affects the entire Somali nation.
Condolences from the Somali Canadian Community
Mohammed Adan the manager for CT Somali and a veteran Somali Journalist, shared his personal and platform condolences:
“I’m sorry to hear the sad news of the passing of one of the leaders of the Somali Youth League (SYL) here in Canada. CT Somali sends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Ali Mohamed Hirabe and in general the Somali people everywhere who he served over the years, and we ask Allah to grant him Janatul firdowsa Insha Allah.”
His death in Canada reminds the Somali diaspora of the powerful link between their current lives and the generation that fought to build the nation they carry in their hearts. Ali Mohamed Hirabe leaves behind children and grandchildren who continue his legacy.
