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Abdullahi IssaFirst Prime Minister of Somalia from 1956 to 1960
Date of Birth: 11.11.1922
Country:  Somalia |
Content:
- Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke: The First Prime Minister of Somalia
- Political Career
- Prime Minister of Somalia
- Post-Independence Career
- Legacy and Honors
Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke: The First Prime Minister of Somalia
Early Life and EducationAbdirashid Ali Sharmarke was born into a prominent Somali family in 1919. His father belonged to the Sakad Habar-gidir clan, and his mother to the Marehan clan. Shortly after his birth, his father passed away. Sharmarke received his early education in a traditional Islamic school in Buloburde, before moving to Mogadishu with his mother. In Mogadishu, he attended an Italian primary school and a local madrasa.
Political Career
The outbreak of World War II interrupted Sharmarke's education. He moved to the port city of Marka, where he worked as a postal clerk from 1939 to 1941. After the war, he returned to Mogadishu and held a position in the Department of Economic Affairs. During the British military occupation of Italian Somalia, Sharmarke was dismissed from his post and became involved in business.
After the unrest of the wartime years, Sharmarke joined the Somali Youth League (SYL). He quickly rose through the party ranks, becoming a member of the Central Committee in 1948 and eventually being appointed Secretary-General.
In 1950, Sharmarke became SYL's representative to the United Nations Trusteeship Council. He played a key role in the negotiations leading to Somalia's independence.
Prime Minister of Somalia
In 1956, Sharmarke was elected as the first Prime Minister of the Trust Territory of Somalia. He was reappointed to the position in 1959, and also held the portfolios of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Pardon, and Justice.
After Somalia's independence in 1960, Sharmarke served as Foreign Minister until 1964. In this capacity, he represented Somalia at numerous international conventions, including the United Nations General Assembly and the Addis Ababa Conferences.
Post-Independence Career
After the general elections in March 1964, Sharmarke returned to the National Assembly as a Member of Parliament.
In 1974, following the seizure of power by the Supreme Revolutionary Council, Sharmarke was appointed as Somalia's ambassador to Sweden. He retired from politics in 1983 and spent his later years in Rome.
Legacy and Honors
Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke passed away in 1991 and was buried in Mogadishu. He is remembered as a visionary leader and a strong advocate for Somali independence. The Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke International Airport in Mogadishu is named in his honor.
