Hiiraan Online
Monday, January 04, 2016
BELEDWEYNE (HOL) – Somali communities around the world united in an outpouring tribute for the tragic sudden death of one of Somalia’s most respected clan leaders who died in the central Somali town of Beledweyne on Sunday.
Ugas Abdirahman Ugas Khalif, the chieftain of of Hawadle clan has died after sudden illness at his home in Beledweyne, the provincial capital of Hiiraan region.
Somalia’s prime minster Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke has also reacted to the news of Mr. Khalif’s death, saying that Somalis had lost a great leader of peace and reconciliation and that Somalis would always remember his ‘outstanding contributions to the peace.
Social media has also been filled with tributes, images and prayers mourning for the chieftain’s death, calling him a ‘great figure’.
Born in Buloburte town in 1957, Mr. Khalif has graduated from a primary school in his hometown in 1973 before he moved to Jowhar town in Middle Shabelle region for Middle School studies.
He graduated from the Somali National University in 1982, before he started an internship work at the ministry of animal husbandry in Balad town, 30km north of Mogadishu before he was picked as the coordinator of the ministry’s operations, a position he held from 1984-1991.
He also worked as the head of the Pan-Africa project for Polioencephalomalacia in cows’ eradication project from 1989-1991.
During his professional career, Mr. Khalif has also worked for OXFAM Base and Italian aid organization TRE NOVE before he was inaugurated as a clan leader in 2001, replacing his father who died in the same year.
He held the position for 15 years before his sudden death on Sunday.
He is survived by two girls and a wife.
He’s considered to be one of the few educated clan leaders in Somalia where clan leaders are elected because of their wisdom and intellect.
His death has also led to an outpouring of tributes on social media, as thousands took to the social media, calling him a ‘leader’ for all Somalis, not just for his clan.
“Sad, we lost one of the most wonderful leaders of our time.” tweeted Mohamed Ali, a former colleague of Mr. Khalif.