Abdilahi Husein Iman Darawal
Abdillahi Hussein Iman Darawal | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1948 Hargeisa, Somaliland |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, former military commander |
| Years active | 1970s–present |
| Known for | Chairman of the Horseed Party (2022–2024), Minister of Defence (1996–1998), Minister of Justice (1995–1996), senior commander in the Somali National Movement |
Abdillahi Hussein Iman Darawal () is a prominent politician from Somaliland and a former high-ranking commander within the SNM. He currently holds the position of Chairman of the Horseed Party (2022–2024) and has previously served in several ministerial capacities, including as Minister of Defence (1996–1998) and Minister of Justice (1995–1996). Darawal is a member of the Arap clan, which is part of the larger Isaaq clan family. His nickname "Darawal" translates to "driver" in the Somali language.
Early life and education
Born in Hargeisa in 1948, Darawal completed his primary and intermediate schooling at Axmed Gurey school in Hargeisa. He attended third and fourth grades in Berbera before finishing his secondary education at Faarax Oomaar High School located in Hargeisa.[1]
Career
In 1970, he was dispatched by the Somali government to the Soviet Union for specialized artillery training in Odessa. Upon his return in 1973, he held the rank of xidigle (lieutenant).[1]
Following his return, Darawal served within the Somali National Army in various locations including Beledweyne, Mogadishu, Buloburde, and with the First Division stationed in the western region. He took part in the 1977 Ogaden War near Doolow. After the unsuccessful 1978 coup attempt against President Siad Barre, Darawal remained loyal to the government and was acknowledged for his steadfastness during this period, despite not being directly involved in quelling the uprising.[2]
Somali National Movement
During a crackdown following an SNM offensive in 1988, Darawal was detained for approximately seven months in Mogadishu, suspected of maintaining links with the Somali National Movement. After his release, he fled to Ethiopia where he joined the SNM as a senior military commander.[1][3]
Within the SNM ranks, Darawal swiftly advanced to senior leadership overseeing military operations on the northern front. He orchestrated efforts to disrupt supply routes between Hargeisa and Berbera, managed logistics across borders from Ethiopia, and trained new fighters. His collaboration with the influential Sheikh San'ani Brigade was instrumental in severing government supply chains and leading offensives around Hargeisa and Berbera.[1]
After Somaliland independence
Following the proclamation of independence by Somaliland in 1991, Darawal was appointed Chief of Staff of the Army. He subsequently held several ministerial posts including Director General of the Ministry of Transport (1993), Minister of Justice (1995–1996), Minister of Defence (1996–1998), Minister of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Resettlement (1998), as well as Minister of Health under President Dahir Riyale Kahin in 2006.[1]
Later career
Following a period away from active political involvement, Darawal resurfaced during the 2010s as a political analyst, frequently offering critiques of Somaliland’s dialogue with Somalia and various governmental initiatives.
In 2022, he assumed the role of chairman for the newly established Horseed Political Association, positioning it as an opposition force. Under his guidance, Horseed prioritized reforms in governance, support for military veterans, and facilitating the return of displaced communities. He held the chairmanship until 2024, when the association disbanded after not achieving a top-three finish in the national political party election.
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedHadhwanaagBio - ↑ "Sooyaalka Cabdilaahi Xuseen Iimaan (Darawal)". Hadhwanaag News (in Soomaaliga). 2024-10-15.
- ↑ "Somalia: A Government at War With Its Own People" (PDF). Africa Watch (Human Rights Watch). 1990.