Abdirisak Haji Hussein
From Halbeeg, the open encyclopedia · Af-Soomaali
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Abdirisak Haji Hussein was a Somali politician who belonged to the early generation of independence and state-building activists in Somalia. He served as Prime Minister of the Somali Republic between 1964 and 1967, during the period of multiparty democratic rule that preceded the military coup of 1969.
He was a prominent member of the Somali Youth League (SYL), the largest party that led the independence movement. Before becoming Prime Minister, he held ministerial posts and party leadership positions, with particular responsibility for domestic affairs and the establishment of new state institutions.
Early life and education
He was born in the central regions of Somalia during Italian colonial rule. He received primary education at the schools of that period and then became involved directly in the politics of Somali youth organizations that sought self-governance for the country. Like many of his generation, his political education came largely from organizational and administrative work rather than formal higher education.
Period as Prime Minister
President Adan Abdulla Osman appointed him Prime Minister in 1964, following parliamentary elections. His administration prioritized reducing corruption, staffing government positions on the basis of competence and qualification rather than clan affiliation or political connection, and strengthening civil administration. He also faced pressure from parliamentarians seeking ministerial posts and regional benefits, which created difficulties for governmental stability.
In foreign affairs, his tenure was marked by efforts to resolve border tensions between Somalia and neighboring countries, particularly concerning Somalis living in the NFD (Kenya) and Ethiopia, pursued through diplomatic means. He left office in 1967 following political changes related to that year's presidential election.
Later career
In subsequent years he served among Somalia's diplomats to international bodies, including the United Nations. He also participated in Somali reconciliation talks following the collapse of the central state in 1991, and was regarded as a figure removed from the armed factionalism of that period. He spent his final years in the United States, where he died.