Sharif Sheikh Ahmed

Sharif Sheikh Ahmed is a Somali politician and religious leader. He served as the 7th President of Somalia between January 31, 2009, and August 20, 2012, and he focused on the efforts of restoring Somalia through its transitional stage dealing with years of war and political fragmentation. 

Early life and career

Sharif Sheikh Ahmed was born in 1964 in Mahaday Town, Middle Shabelle Region, Somalia. He belongs to the Abgaal sub-clan of the Hawiye clan-one of the sizable Somali clans. He received early education in his hometown and later continued his studies at the Islamic University of Khartoum in Sudan and at the Al-Fateh University in Libya, focusing on Islamic Studies and Sharia Law. This part of his background formed the basis for his political career. 

Rise to Prominence

Sharif Sheikh Ahmed rose to national prominence in the middle of the 2000s, while he was the Chairman of the Islamic Courts Union (ICU). The ICU was a coalition formed to bring order to Mogadishu and other parts of southern Somalia, after the area outbreaks which had tribal clashes, violence, and anarchy. Ahmed's leadership witnessed a drop in crime and a measure of stability restored to Mogadishu between 2006 and 2007.

However, Ethiopia and several international actors were severely alarmed by the ICU on account of its presumed Islamist nature. In December 2006, with U.S. backing, Ethiopian forces intervened in Somalia, marking the start of the ICU's collapse. 

Presidency

Elected by the Transitional Federal Government during peace talks in Djibouti in 2009, the presidency of Sharif Sheikh Ahmed came to represent a turning point for Somalia during a time when Al-Shabab was still conducting insurgency from the wreckage of the ICU.

Some notable successes of his presidency include:

• Reconciliation Efforts: Spurred dialogue amongst Somali clans and factions to build unity.
• Constitutional Progress: Oversaw the formation of the Provisional Constitution, adopted in 2012.
• Enhanced Relations: Developed relations with international stakeholders, including the United Nations, African Union, and other international partners.
• Improvement of Security Situation: Collaborated with AMISOM to regain important territories from the control of Al-Shabaab. 

Post-Presidency

Following his presidency in 2012, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has continued to be an active player on the Somali political stage. The Himilo Qaran Party is an initiative that he established in 2019 with plans to announce his candidacy in the 2021 Somalia presidential elections to reclaim the nation's leadership. Sharif Sheikh Ahmed's political vision emphasizes unity, good governance, and development.

Personal Life

Sharif Sheikh Ahmed is married with children. He lives a life of simplicity and has been able to balance worldly affairs with a deep commitment to Islamic teachings. 

Legacy

Sharif Sheikh Ahmed is seen as a realistic and, therefore, a practical leader, who sought to balance Islamic teachings and modern state formation. He bore quite a lot of difficulties-a steady insurgency, shortage of resources-but left a base for Somalia's quest for stability and development.