Monday July 29, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre, his deputy Salah Ahmed Jama, and various politicians and civil society organizations have expressed deep condolences over the passing of Captain Ahmed Gure, a former pilot of Somali Airlines and the founder of Hiiraan Online.
Prime Minister Barre highlighted Captain Gure's significant contributions to the Somali community, particularly his efforts to develop the Somali language and provide fact-based news during challenging times for the country.
Barre described Gure as a hardworking, neutral, and upright individual committed to the country's development. "Innaa Lilaahi Wa Innaa Ilayhi Rajicoon, Captain Ahmed Gure was a pilot, journalist, and philanthropist who worked tirelessly for the benefit and development of the Somali community," Barre stated.
Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, who knew Gure for a long time, praised his hard work, intelligence, and love for the country. He noted Gure's dedication to raising awareness among the Somali people and creating a forum for unbiased discussion and information.
Other prominent figures, including Minister of Planning, Investment and Economic Development Mohamud Abdirahman Beenebeene, former Minister of Education Hon. Abdullahi Godah Barre, Somali Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle and Wadajir party leader Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, also recognized Gure's contributions to the country's airline and media sectors.
Farhan Jimale, Spokesperson and Director of Communications reflected on Gure's legacy in journalism and aviation, describing him as kind-hearted, hardworking, and devout. "Innaa Lilaahi Wa Innaa Ilayhi Rajicoon. May Allah have mercy on my brother and our colleague in journalism, Ahmed Gure," Jimale said, offering condolences to Gure's family and the Somali media community.
Captain Ibrahim Abikar Noor, a longtime friend and co-worker, recounted their early days as pilots for Somali Airlines. He described Gure's death as deeply shocking and emphasized his friend's compassion and generosity.
"We were among the first pilots of Somali Airlines, flying aircraft like the Fokker F27 and Dornier 228," Noor said, adding that Gure managed the Somali Airlines' website and remained dedicated to the industry even after the airline ceased operations.
Ahmed Gure with fellow former Somali Airlines pilot Ibrahim Abikar Nur, demonstrating his enduring passion for aviation and innovation.
Gure pursued a Master's in Airline Management from Coventry University in 2019 with a vision of re-establishing Somali Airlines. He served as a senior advisor to Somalia's Ministry of Transportation, working towards this goal.
Ahmed Gure, who passed away in Ottawa, Canada, on Sunday, was born in the Jalaqsi district in the Hiiraan region in 1956. Captain Ahmed Gure left behind his wife, seven children, and three grandchildren. His son, Dalmar Ahmed Gure, who has been serving as the acting Editor-in-Chief of Hiiraan Online, will now take on the role of Managing Editor, continuing his father's legacy.