Africa's First Democrats: Somalia's Aden A. Osman and Abdirazak H. Hussen

by Abdi Ismail Samatar

Abdi Ismail Samatar provides a clear and foundational history of Somalia at the dawn of the country's independence when Africa's first democrats appeared. While many African countries were dominated by authoritarian rulers when they entered the postcolonial era―and scholars have assumed this as a standard feature of political leadership on the continent―Somalia had an authentic democratic leadership. Samatar's political biography of Aden A. Osman and Abdirazak H. Hussen breaks the stereotype of brutal African tyranny. Samatar discusses the framing of democracy in Somalia following the years of control by fascist Italy, the formation of democratic organizations during the political struggle, and the establishment of democratic foundations in the new nation. Even though this early state of affairs did not last, these leaders left behind a strong democratic legacy that may provide a model of good governance for the rest of the continent.

Genres: Somalia, Africa, History

300 pages, Paperback

Published September 26, 2016

Reviews

[Sirad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Takes into account a lot of the post-colonial factors that lead to the dictatorship of Siad Barre, as it analyzes the lives of President Aden Osman and Abdirazak Hussen.

[Isse Ahmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book left me with great respect and gratefulness for president Aden A Osman and his prime minister Abdirazak H Hussen. The book narrates the lives of these statemen early on in their childhood until 1969 when they were not active in Somali politics any more. The author's account is mostly based on interviews he personally had with the subjects of the book. Somalia was an example in democracy for Africa in its first and second republics (1960-1967). "Somalia's vibrant democracy in this period was anchored by key national leaders, President Osman and Prime Minister Hussen, and their supporters who carefully guarded the integrity of the constitution and who considered the democratic management of political affairs a way of life"

I would absolutely recommend this book to everyone interested in post independency Somalia especially to the Somali youth who are fed up with Somali politicians driven by their lust for position and have not seen the kind of leaders set by Adan Adde and Abdirizak Hussen.

Finally, great kudos goes to prof. Dr. Abdi Ismail Samatar for conducting these interviews and capturing these men's accounts as Somali literature on Somali politics in that period (and in general) is almost nonexistent.

[Eurethius Péllitièr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly detailed discussion on Somalia's democracy