- Abdallah Isaaq Deerow (Cabdalla Isaaq Deeroow)Abdallah Isaaq Deerow (1950–2006): Speaker of the Transitional National Assembly from 2000 and Minister of Constitutional and Federal Affairs from 2004.
- Abdi Farah Shirdon (Cabdi Faarax Shirdoon)Abdi Farah Shirdon (born 1958): economist from Dhuusamareeb, Prime Minister of Somalia 2012 to 2013.
- Abdi Hasan Awale Qeybdiid (Cabdi Xasan Cawaale Qeybdiid)Abdi Hasan Awale Qeybdiid (born 1948): President of Galmudug 2012 to 2015, and a senior police commander in Mogadishu in the 2000s.
- Abdiaziz Laftagareen (Cabdicasiis Laftagareen)Abdiaziz Laftagareen (born 1970): President of South West State 2018 to 2026, former federal minister.
- Abdikarim Ahmed Mooge Liibaan (Cabdikariin Axmed Mooge Liibaan)Abdikarim Ahmed Mooge: Mayor of Hargeisa 2021 to 2026, former deputy minister and co-founder of the youth agency HAVAYOCO.
- Abdikarim Hussein Guled (Cabdikariim Xuseen Guuleed)Abdikarim Hussein Guled: President of Galmudug 2015 to 2017, federal Minister of Interior and Security 2012 to 2014, and Minister of National Security in 2014.
- Abdiqasim Salad Hassan (Cabdiqaasim Salaad Xasan)Abdiqasim Salad Hassan, born 1941: elected at Arta in August 2000, President of the Transitional National Government until 2004.
- Abdirahman Ahmed Ali Tuur (Cabdiraxmaan Axmed Cali Tuur)Abdirahman Ahmed Ali Tuur (1931–2003): administrator, diplomat, SNM chairman and first President of Somaliland, 1991–1993.
- Abdirahman Farole (Cabdiraxmaan Faroole)Abdirahman Farole (born 1945): banker from Eyl, President of Puntland 2009 to 2014.
- Abdirahman Jama Barre (Cabdiraxmaan Jaamac Barre)Abdirahman Jama Barre (1937–2017): Foreign Minister 1977 to 1987 and 1989 to 1990, first Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister 1987 to 1991.
- Abdirahman Omar Osman "Yarisow" (Cabdiraxmaan Cumar Cismaan Yariisow)Abdirahman Omar Osman 'Yarisow' (1965 to 2019): engineer, London councillor, Mayor of Mogadishu 2018 to 2019.
- Abdirashid Ali Shermarke (Cabdirashiid Cali Sharmaarke)Abdirashid Ali Shermarke (1919–1969): first Prime Minister and second President of the Somali Republic, his life and his death in 1969.
- Abdirizak Haji Hussein (Cabdirisaaq Xaaji Xuseen)Abdirizak Haji Hussein (1924–2014): Somali Youth League leader, Prime Minister 1964–1967 and UN ambassador.
- Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas (Cabdiweli Maxamed Cali Gaas)Abdiweli Gaas: economist, Prime Minister of Somalia 2011–2012 and President of Puntland 2014–2019.
- Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed (Cabdiweli Sheekh Axmed)Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed (born 1959): economist from Bardera, Prime Minister of Somalia 2013 to 2014.
- Abdullahi Ahmed Addow (Cabdilaahi Axmed Caddoow)Abdullahi Ahmed Addow (born 1936): ambassador in Washington twice, Finance Minister 1980 to 1984, presidential candidate.
- Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed (Cabdullaahi Yuusuf Axmed)Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed (1934–2012): army officer, SSDF founder, first President of Puntland and President of the Transitional Federal Government.
- Abdulrahim Abby Farah (Cabdiraxiim Abby Faarax)Abdulrahim Abby Farah (1919–2018): Somalia's ambassador to Ethiopia and to the United Nations, chair of the UN Special Committee against Apartheid, and UN Under-Secretary-General 1979 to 1990.
- Abdurrahman Mahmoud Aidiid "Soltelco" (Cabdiraxmaan Maxmuud Caydiid)Abdurrahman Mahmoud Aidiid 'Soltelco': Kulmiye politician and Mayor of Hargeisa, 2013 to 2021.
- Aden Abdulle Osman (Aadan Cabdulle Cismaan, Aden Adde)Aden Adde (1908–2007), first President of the Somali Republic: his life, the Somali Youth League, 1960 and the peaceful handover of 1967.
- Aden Madobe (Aadan Maxamed Nuur Madoobe)Aden Madobe (born 1956): Speaker 2007 to 2010 and 2022 to 2026, acting president 2008 to 2009, South West State leader from 2026.
- Ahmed Dini AhmedAhmed Dini Ahmed (1932–2004): head of French Somaliland's Government Council 1959 to 1960, Djibouti's first Prime Minister in 1977, and later FRUD leader.
- Ahmed Isse Awad (Axmed Ciise Cawad)Ahmed Isse Awad (born 1955): ambassador to the United States from 2015 and Foreign Minister to 2020.
- Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud Silanyo (Axmed Maxamed Maxamuud Siilaanyo)Silanyo (1938–2024): Manchester-trained economist, Somali minister, SNM chairman and President of Somaliland 2010–2017.
- Ali Abdullahi Osoble (Cali Cabdullaahi Cosoble)Ali Abdullahi Osoble (born 1961): first President of Hirshabelle State, 2016 to 2017.
- Ali Khalif Galaydh (Cali Khaliif Galaydh)Ali Khalif Galaydh (1941–2020): Prime Minister of the Transitional National Government 2000 to 2001, President of Khaatumo 2014 to 2017, and former Minister of Industry.
- Ali Mahdi Muhammad (Cali Mahdi Maxamed)Ali Mahdi Muhammad (1939–2021): businessman, interim President from January 1991, the split in the United Somali Congress, and his later years.
- Ali Mohammed Ghedi (Cali Maxamed Geeddi)Ali Mohammed Ghedi (born 1952): first Prime Minister of the Transitional Federal Government, 2004 to 2007, and a former veterinary lecturer.
- Barkat Gourad HamadouBarkat Gourad Hamadou (1930–2018): French senator 1965 to 1980 and Prime Minister of Djibouti 1978 to 2001.
- Boqor Osman Mahamud (Boqor Cismaan Maxamuud)Boqor Osman Mahamud (1854–1943), king of the Majeerteen Sultanate at Alula: the 1889 treaty, the 1909 flag refusal and the end of his state in 1927.
- Dahir Riyale Kahin (Daahir Rayaale Kaahin)Dahir Riyale Kahin, born 1952: Vice President then President of Somaliland 2002–2010, the 80-vote result of 2003 and the 2010 handover.
- Elmi Ahmed Duale (Cilmi Axmed Ducaale)Elmi Ahmed Duale (born 1935): doctor, Foreign Minister in 1969, WHO official and Somalia's UN ambassador 2005 to 2016.
- Garad Jama Garad Ali (Garaad Jaamac Garaad Cali)Garad Jama Garad Ali (b.1974): 21st Garad of the Dhulbahante, crowned 2006 near Las Anod.
- Hassan Abshir Farah (Xasan Abshir Faarax)Hassan Abshir Farah (1945–2020): Prime Minister of the Transitional National Government 2001 to 2003, former Mayor of Mogadishu and Puntland interior minister.
- Hassan Ali Khaire (Xasan Cali Khayre)Hassan Ali Khaire (born 1968): aid worker from El Buur, Prime Minister of Somalia 2017 to 2020.
- Hassan Gouled Aptidon (Xasan Guuleed Abtidoon)Hassan Gouled Aptidon (1916–2006): French senator for French Somaliland, Djibouti's first President 1977 to 1999, and the one-party and civil war years.
- Ibrahim Megag Samatar (Ibraahim Meygaag Samatar): economist, finance minister and SNM leaderIbrahim Megag Samatar: Yale economics, budget director and finance minister of Somalia, ambassador to West Germany, defection in 1981, the SNM, the first speaker of Somaliland's parliament, and his last years in Japan.
- Imam Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi (Axmed Gurey)Imam Ahmad Gurey (about 1506–1543): leader of Adal in the war with Ethiopia, his life, the debate on his origin and how he is remembered.
- Jama Ali Jama (Jaamac Cali Jaamac)Jama Ali Jama (c. 1939 to 2025): colonel and political prisoner, elected President of Puntland 2001 to 2002.
- Madobe Nunow Mohamed (Madoobe Nuunow Maxamed)Madobe Nunow Mohamed (1948–2017): interim President of South West State in 2014, MP 2001 to 2012, and minister in the Transitional Federal Government.
- Mahamoud Harbi (Maxamuud Xarbi Faarax)Mahamoud Harbi Farah: French deputy for French Somaliland, head of its first Government Council 1957 to 1958, and campaigner for a Greater Somalia.
- Mohamed Abdi Hashi (Maxamed Cabdi Xaashi)Mohamed Abdi Hashi (died 2020): Vice President of Puntland 1998 to 2004, acting President 2004 to 2005, and chairman of the United Somali Party.
- Mohamed Abdi Waare (Maxamed Cabdi Waare)Mohamed Abdi Waare (born 1960): agricultural officer from Jowhar, President of Hirshabelle 2017 to 2020.
- Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed (Farmaajo)Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed 'Farmaajo', born 1962: Prime Minister 2010–2011 and President of Somalia 2017–2022.
- Mohamed Abshir Muse (Maxamed Abshir Muuse)Mohamed Abshir Muse (1926–2017): Commander of the Somali Police Force 1959 to 1969 and chairman of the Somali Salvation Democratic Front 1991 to 1994.
- Mohamed Farrah Aidid (Maxamed Faarax Caydiid)Mohamed Farrah Aidid (1934–1996): general and USC leader in the 1991 overthrow and the conflicts of 1991–1996.
- Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Egal (Maxamed Xaaji Ibraahim Cigaal)Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Egal (1928–2002): Prime Minister in 1960 and 1967–69, President of Somaliland 1993–2002. His life and public roles.
- Mohamed Hassan Nuriye (Maxamed Xasan Nuuriye)Mohamed Hassan Nuriye: Mayor of Beledweyne 2012 to 2019, elected in the town's first mayoral vote since the civil war.
- Mohamed Hussein Roble (Maxamed Xuseen Rooble)Mohamed Hussein Roble (born 1968): engineer from Hobyo, Prime Minister of Somalia 2020 to 2022.
- Mohamed Osman Jawari (Maxamed Cismaan Jawaari)Mohamed Osman Jawari (1945 to 2024): lawyer, Speaker of the Federal Parliament 2012 to 2018, acting president 2012.
- Mohamed Siad Barre (Maxamed Siyaad Barre)Mohamed Siad Barre (about 1919–1995), head of state from 1969 to 1991: his rise, the script and literacy campaigns, the abuses on record and his fall.
- Mohamud Abdi Gaab (Maxamuud Cabdi Gaab)Mohamud Abdi Gaab: Governor of Hiiraan, 2011 to 2014.
- Muse Bihi Abdi (Muuse Biixi Cabdi)Muse Bihi Abdi, born 1948: pilot, SNM member, Kulmiye chairman and President of Somaliland 2017–2024.
- Muse Hassan Sheikh Sayid Abdulle (Muuse Xasan Sheekh Cabdulle)Muse Hassan Sheikh Sayid Abdulle (born 1940): Somali general, acting president and interim speaker in August 2012, ambassador to Italy.
- Nasib Bundo (Nassib Bunda)Nasib Bundo: Yao former slave who led the Gosha Bantu communities of the lower Juba in the late 1800s.
- Nur Hassan Hussein "Nur Adde" (Nuur Xasan Xuseen "Cadde")Nur Hassan Hussein "Nur Adde" (1938–2020): Prime Minister of the Transitional Federal Government 2007 to 2009, former attorney general and head of the Somali Red Crescent.
- Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke (Cumar Cabdirashiid Cali Sharmaarke)Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke (born 1960): twice Prime Minister of Somalia (2009–2010, 2014–2017) and UN diplomat.
- Omar Arteh Ghalib (Cumar Carte Qaalib)Omar Arteh Ghalib (1930–2020): Foreign Minister 1969 to 1976 and Prime Minister 1991 to 1993.
- Omar Mohamud Mohamed "Finnish" (Cumar Maxamuud Maxamed "Filish")Omar Finnish: Mayor of Mogadishu 2019 to 2022, earlier a USC/SSA faction leader and transitional MP.
- Presidents of Somalia, 1960 to 2026Every president and acting president of Somalia from 1960 to 2026, with dates of office and links to each person's page.
- Prime Ministers of Somalia, 1956 to 2026Every Prime Minister and acting Prime Minister of Somalia from 1956 to 2026, with dates of office and links to each person's page.
- Saeed Abdi Farah (Saciid Cabdi Faarax)Saeed Abdi Farah: Puntland-appointed Mayor of Galkayo, 2011 to 2013.
- Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden (Shariif Xasan Sheekh Aadan)Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden: Speaker of the Transitional Federal Parliament 2004 to 2007 and 2010 to 2012, Finance Minister 2009 to 2010, President of South West State 2014 to 2018.
- Sharif Sheikh Ahmed (Shariif Sheekh Axmed)Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, born 1965: Islamic Courts Union chairman, President of the Transitional Federal Government 2009–2012, later opposition figure.
- Sultan Ibrahim Adeer (Ibraahin Adeer)Ibrahim Adeer: founder of the Geledi Sultanate and the Gobroon dynasty at Afgooye.
- Sultan Jamal ad-Din II of AdalJamal ad-Din II (d. c.1432): Sultan of Adal from 1424, son of Sa'ad ad-Din II.
- Sultan Osman Ahmed of Geledi (Cismaan Axmed)Sultan Osman Ahmed (d. early 1920s): last Sultan of Geledi, ruled from the 1880s to 1911.
- Sultan Sa'ad ad-Din II of Ifat (Sacad ad-Diin)Sa'ad ad-Din II, Sultan of Ifat, died about 1403–1410 at Zeila: his reign, his death, and how Adal and the Sacadiin islands remember him.
- Sultan Yusuf Ali Kenadid (Yuusuf Cali Keenadiid)Sultan Yusuf Ali Kenadid (1837–1911), founder of the Hobyo Sultanate in 1878: his rise, the 1889 treaty with Italy and his exile.
- Sultan Yusuf Mahamud Ibrahim of GelediSultan Yusuf Mahamud Ibrahim (r. 1798–1848): ruler of the Geledi Sultanate at its height, from Afgooye.
- Ughaz Nur II (Ugaas Nuur Ugaas Rooble)Ughaz Nur II (c.1835-1898): Gadabuursi Ughaz from 1848 and a poet still taught in Somali classes.
- Yusuf Hussein Jimaale "Madale" (Yuusuf Xuseen Jimcaale Madaale)Yusuf Hussein Jimaale 'Madale': Mayor of Mogadishu 2015 to 2017 and 2022 to 2024.
- Yusuf Osman Samatar (Barda'ad)Yusuf Osman Samatar (Barda'ad), 1932–2020: Somali Democratic Union leader and MP before 1969, held without trial for almost twenty years, freed in 1989.
Leaders and statesmen
All 73 pages in Leaders and statesmen, from A to Z.
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