Bashir Isse
Bashir Isse | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Bashir Issa Ali |
| Occupation | Banking professional |
| Years active | 1960s–present |
| Known for | Governor of the Central Bank of Somalia |
Bashir Isse (, ), who is also referred to as Bashir Issa Ali, is a prominent Somali banking professional. His career includes significant leadership positions such as CEO of the Commercial and Savings Bank of Somalia, as well as serving as both Deputy Governor and Governor of the Central Bank of Somalia. Since April 2014, he has held the role of permanent Governor at the Central Bank.
Personal life
Isse holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master's degree in Public Administration from American Century University. Additionally, he obtained a qualification in Armed Conflict and Peace Studies from the University of Nairobi.
Early career
Starting his banking profession in the 1960s, Isse occupied senior posts that played a vital role in reconstructing Somalia’s financial infrastructure. Between 1962 and 1968, he was engaged with the Central Bank of Somalia focusing on commercial and central banking functions, later advancing to Chief Auditor from 1969 to 1970.
From 1971 until 1973, he acted as Deputy Director General at the Somali Commercial Bank and its successor institution, the Commercial and Savings Bank of Somalia. In 1975, Isse chaired a national commission dedicated to reforming Somalia’s financial framework and state-owned enterprises. His tenure from 1976 to 1981 included serving as Deputy Director General followed by CEO/President of the Commercial Savings Bank.
Between 1981 and 1988, he fulfilled responsibilities as Deputy Governor at the Central Bank, contributing to monetary policy development. During the period from 2006 to 2010, under the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) led by President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, Isse was appointed Governor, where he played an instrumental role in reviving the Bank post-civil war. He stepped down due to political disagreements concerning new currency issuance involving TFG Finance Minister Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden and President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.
Central Bank of Somalia
Following the resignation of former Governor Yussur A.F. Abrar, Isse was designated interim Governor of the Central Bank on 27 November 2013. His appointment came after consultations between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and international donors about an interim replacement. The Somali Council of Ministers ratified his appointment on 28 November. Subsequently, on 24 April 2014, the federal Cabinet officially confirmed him as permanent Governor, concurrently naming Maryan Abdullahi Yusuf as Deputy Governor.