Abdikasim Salad Hassan

Abdikasim Salad Hassan (Somali: Cabdiqaasim Salaad Xasan) is a Somali politician and was the President of Somalia from 27 August 2000 to 14 October 2004. For the transitional period after the civil war in Somalia, Abdikasim worked toward national reconciliation and the reestablishment of governance structures.

Early Life and Education

Abdikasim was born in the Hodan District of Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1941. He belonged to the Hawiye clan, specifically to the Habargidir subclan of Sa'ad. His education includes public administration and economics, which he has pursued in preparation for a career in governance and diplomacy.

Political Career

Abdikasim began his political career during the early days of Somalia's independence. Under the government of President Siad Barre, he held several ministerial posts, including the Minister of Interior and the Minister of Finance. He is known for his technocratic style of administration and for having struck a successful balance while operating within a highly polarized political environment in Somalia.

In 2000, Abdikasim was elected president of Somalia's TNG at the peace conference in Djibouti, a government that sought to restore functional government after years of conflict. 

Presidency (2000–2004)

Abdikasim's administration faced unprecedented trials. Such were:

• Restore governance: Somalia was without a central administration after IR Siad Barre was swept away in 1991. Abdikasim's government was given the task of rebuilding the state institutions.
• Reconciliation efforts: He sought to bring together the many clans, warlords, and politics of Somalia.
• Security woes: His government could not bring any part of the country under its authority, as the bulk was still under the control of warlords and militias.

In spite of this, Abdikasim received international recognition and support from the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), and neighboring countries. 

Post-Presidency

Hassan took office as president in 2004 and continued with his campaign of peace and development for Somalia. Additionally, he attended numerous regional and international conferences regarding the future of Somalia, enhancing ever his stature as a such elder statesman.

Personal Life

He is married and the father of children. Abdikasim is known for his modest lifestyle and commitment to Somalia. 

Legacy

Too-near the time of his removal from being president in 2004, Abdikasim dedicated himself to the cause of paving the way towards a reliable foundation for Somali recovery, if at first chaotic and troubled. With many malefactors also grasping to stay in power after a strong moral policy, the democratic process did suffer various setbacks in the transitional governments.