Ali Mohamed Hirabe, a towering figure in Somali independence history and the nation’s first Minister of Information, passed away on Monday in Canada. He was 100 years old.
Known affectionately to the public as “Ali Hagarey,” Hirabe leaves behind a century-long legacy defined by his pivotal role in the Somali Youth League (SYL) and his foundational work in establishing Somalia’s state media apparatus.
A Founding Father
Harabi was a central figure in the transition of Somalia from a trusteeship to a sovereign republic. His death marks the loss of one of the few remaining links to the generation that secured the country’s independence in 1960.
Current Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Daud Aweis, confirmed the death, describing Hirabe as a dedicated public servant whose influence spanned decades.
May God have mercy on the late Ali Mohamed Hirabe, who was one of the leaders of the SYL and served as a minister in several capacities,” Aweys said in a statement. “His passing affects the entire Somali nation given his significant role in our country’s history, and I extend my condolences to the Somali people, especially his children and family.”
From Adale to the United Nations
Born in the coastal town of Adale in the Middle Shabelle region, Hirabe pursued formal education before dedicating himself to the anti-colonial struggle. He rose through the ranks of the Somali Youth League (SYL), eventually serving as the party’s Secretary-General.
His political acumen was recognized early on. During the UN Trusteeship period, Harabi was selected to accompany Abdullahi Issa Mahmoud to the United Nations General Assembly, where they successfully advocated for the timeline and terms of Somalia’s independence.
Building National Institutions
Following independence in 1960, Hirabe was appointed Minister of Information in the inaugural civilian government led by Prime Minister Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke. In this role, he is credited with laying the groundwork for the national press and broadcasting services.
A key highlight of his tenure was the signing of the first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the People’s Republic of China regarding media cooperation. This agreement was viewed as a strategic step in diversifying Somalia’s international alliances and enhancing its broadcasting capabilities.
Harabi remained a fixture in Somali politics throughout the 1960s, serving as a Minister of State in 1967 and retaining his seat as a Member of Parliament until the military coup of 1969.
Legacy in Exile
Following the collapse of the central government in 1991, Hirabe relocated to Canada. Despite living in the diaspora, he remained an influential voice within Somali political circles, continuing to advocate for national unity and the preservation of Somali history from abroad.
Hirabe is survived by his children, extended family, and a nation that remembers him as a pioneer of its sovereignty.
