Monday July 29, 2024
Captain Ahmed Gure, the pioneering founder of Hiiraan Online, passed away in Ottawa at age 68.
OTTAWA, Canada (HOL) — As the sun set over Ottawa, Captain Ahmed Hagi Elmi Gure embarked on his final journey, leaving behind a legacy that soared high in both aviation and journalism. As the founder and managing director of Hiiraan Online, the oldest Somali news website, Ahmed's life was a testament to resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to his roots and his people. Surrounded by family and friends, he passed away on Sunday after a prolonged illness.
Born in Jalaqsi, a town in the south-central Hiiraan, in 1956, Ahmed's early life was spent in Beledweyne, the largest city in Hiiraan. His formative years in Mogadishu's secondary schools laid a strong educational foundation, but it was the skies that truly called to him. Trained as an airline pilot at the prestigious Lufthansa Aviation Training Centre in Bremen, Germany, Ahmed returned to Somalia to soar through its skies with Somali Airlines. His bravery and composure were put to the test in 1991 when his flight from Mogadishu to Djibouti was hijacked during the Somali Civil War. The safe landing at Luuq Airport, without harm to any passengers, was a testament to his skill and calm under pressure.
The civil war, however, scattered Ahmed and his young family to the winds, leading them to Canada in 1992. The skies might have been out of reach, but Ahmed's determination was not. He retrained in computer programming at Ottawa's Algonquin College, eventually securing a position at Nortel Networks, at the time, the pinnacle of Canada's telecommunications industry.
A young Captain Ahmed Gure during flight training in Phoenix, Arizona
In 1999, amid the dot-com bubble, Ahmed saw an opportunity to bridge continents and bring the Somali diaspora closer together. Hiiraan Online was born in Ottawa on July 1, 1999, when accurate and timely information was a lifeline for many. The platform's coverage of the 2000 Somalia National Peace Conference in Arta, Djibouti, marked the beginning of its role as a cornerstone of Somali journalism.
For 25 years, Ahmed dedicated his life to creating a reliable news source, a beacon of truth and integrity. Yet, his heart remained in the skies. His dream of re-establishing Somali Airlines led him to obtain a Master's in Airline Management from Coventry University in 2019. His expertise was recognized by Somalia's Ministry of Transportation, where he served as a senior advisor, working tirelessly towards his vision.
Ahmed Gure celebrating a milestone at his graduation from Coventry University, where he earned a Master’s in Airline Management."
The outpouring of grief and tributes on social media speaks volumes about the man Ahmed was and the legacy he leaves behind. Abukar Osman, Somalia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and a relative and friend, encapsulated the collective sentiment: "It is with profound sadness that I mourn the loss of my uncle and a friend, Captain Ahmed Gure. His contributions to Somali media via Hiiraan Online are immeasurable."
Sahra Abdi, a former colleague, reminisced about their time together: "From 2005-2009, I worked with Hiiraan Online from Kismaayo. Gure has always been a great journalist who upheld the principles of journalism. He will truly be missed, but his legacy will continue forever."
Others, like Nura Ahmed, highlighted the platform's impact on Somali media: "Where would Somali media be without Hiiraan? My writing has been reposted many times on here and I am so grateful. We lost a giant."
Renowned Somali journalist Abdiaziz Golfyare added, "Innaa Lilaah wa Innaa Ileyhi raajicuun. May Allah have mercy on Ahmed Gure. His death is heartbreaking. May Allah grant patience to his family and relatives."
Farhan Jimale, Spokesperson, Director of Communications, and ex-BBC reporter, expressed his grief: "Innaa Lilaahi Wa Innaa Ileyhi Raajicuun. May Allah have mercy on my brother, and our colleague in journalism, Ahmadeey Elmi Gure, the founder and editor of Hiiraan Online. Beyond his journalism skills, Ahmed Gure was a pilot - a valuable person, kind-hearted, hardworking, humorous, devout, and loved by friends and family. I offer my condolences to his family, relatives, and all Somali media colleagues. May Allah grant us all patience and faith. This photo was taken in Istanbul 10 years ago (Nov. 2014). May Allah make his grave spacious. Ameen."
Ahmed Gure's life was a testament to the power of resilience, vision, and unwavering dedication. His contributions to Somali media and his dream of a brighter future for Somali aviation will forever be remembered, his legacy soaring high above the clouds.
Captain Ahmed Gure is survived by his wife, seven children, and three grandchildren. His son, Dalmar Ahmed Gure, who has been serving as the acting Editor-in-Chief, will step into the role of Managing Editor, ensuring that his father's vision continues to guide Hiiraan Online.
Ahmed Gure with fellow former Somali Airlines pilot Ibrahim Abikar Nur, demonstrating his enduring passion for aviation and innovation.
Children stand around and on top of an abandoned Somali Airlines plane in Luuq, Somalia. This plane, captained by Ahmed Gure, was hijacked in 1991 and has since become a relic in the arid landscape.