HARGEISA- Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Silanyo, who served as President of Somaliland from 2010 to 2017, passed away this Friday in Hargeisa following an extended illness. He was 86 years old.
Silanyo was a prominent figure in both Somali and Somaliland politics, with a career spanning several decades of public service. Born in Buro in 1938, he held numerous high-ranking positions in the former Somali government, including Minister of Planning, Minister of Trade, and Chairman of the National Economic Committee.
His most significant role came as a founding member and leader of the Somali National Movement (SNM). Silanyo led the SNM from 1984 to 1990, making him the longest-serving chairman in the movement’s history.
Following Somaliland’s declaration of independence, Silanyo continued his public service, serving as Minister of Finance under President Mohamed Ibrahim Igal’s administration from 1997 to 1999. In 2001, he founded the Kulmiye Party, which would go on to become one of Somaliland’s most influential political parties, maintaining power for 14 years.
His political journey reached its peak when he was elected President of Somaliland in 2010, a position he held until 2017. Under his leadership, Somaliland made significant strides in development and state-building efforts.
Silanyo’s passing marks the end of an era in Somaliland politics, leaving behind a legacy of revolutionary leadership, dedicated public service, and political transformation that helped shape modern Somaliland.
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