Leadership
HONORARY Leaders
H. E. Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen)
Honorary leader of the Academy
H. E. Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen) is the President of Southwest State, Somalia, elected in 2018. A former schoolteacher and seasoned politician, he has held key ministerial positions, including ministries of Labor, Transport, Livestock, Energy, and Information. His leadership is marked by historic milestones, including the November 2023 launch of Elif Maay, a transformative step for Maay-speaking communities, including his support for establishing the National Academy of Maay Culture and Science. Laftagareen has been instrumental in addressing vital national matters and advancing security, development, and cultural preservation, notably signing the Southwest State Development Plan (2021-2025) to strengthen governance and socio-economic progress.
H.E. Sh. Adan Mohamed Nuur (Madobe)
Honorary Leader of the academy
H. E. Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nuur “Madobe” is the Speaker of the Lower House of the Federal Parliament of Somalia, elected in April 2022. A long-serving political figure, he previously held senior roles in Somalia’s transitional governments, including Minister of Justice and Speaker of the Transitional Federal Parliament. In December 2008 to Janurary 2009, he briefly served as Acting President of Somalia during a key transitional period facilitating critical reconciliation between his government and the Islamic Courts of the time. In 2014, he was appointed Minister of Industry and Commerce. Sheikh Adan is known for advocating the inclusion of the Maay language in the Federal Constitution and remains a prominent voice in national dialogue and parliamentary leadership, contributing to Somalia’s federal governance framework.
Board of Directors
Prof. Mohamed Haji Muktar
Board Member
Dr. Mohamed Haji Mukhtar is a renowned Africanist and Arabist scholar. Currently, he is a professor of African and Middle Eastern History at Savannah State University, Savannah, Georgia, USA. His major publications include: Historical Dictionary of Somalia (2003); English Maay Dictionary (2007); The Rise and Expansion of Islam (2012); Language Marginalization, Ethnic Nationalism and Cultural Crises in Somalia (2010) and Habka Cilmibaarista Taariikhda Somalida (2024). Dr. Mukhtar has long been producer and correspondent of BBC both Somali and Arabic services as well as VOA. He is president and founder of the Center for Peace-Building Initiative CPBI. He is also a founding member of the Inter-Riverine Studies Association ISA, which is an academic organization found in 1993 to re-examine the assumptions upon which the sociocultural, economic and identity formation of Somali society is based. He served Chief Editor of Demenedung Newsletter for ISA. Dr. Mukhtar is a board member of Global Advisory Board for Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies, Paris, France. He is an editorial member for AFRICA, Rivista Semestrale di Studi e Richerche, Universita di Pavia, Italy.
Prof. Abdi Mohamed Kusow
Board Member
Dr. Abdi Mohamed Kusow is Professor of Sociology at Iowa State University. He is internationally recognized sociologist with extensive scholarship in international migration, and social change and transformation in the Horn of Africa region. His research appeared in top ranked sociology and international migration journals and served as editorial board member of leading sociology journals. He has given keynote speeches at many national and international universities, including Ohio State University, Aalborg University, Denmark, York University, Canada, and Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. He was an invited speaker at the 2017 Doha Forum. Professor Kusow is Founding Co-editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Somali Studies: Research on Somalia and the Greater Horn of African Countries, 2014-2021. He is member of the International Scientific Committee of the Routes of Enslaved Peoples: Resistance, Liberty and Heritage: Resistance, Liberty, and Heritage, United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, UNESCO. Professor Kusow is the principal founder of the University of Southern Somalia, Baidoa.
Mr. Abukar Sheikh Ahmed (Albadri)
Board Member
Mr. Abukar Sheikhahmed Mohamed, known as Abukar Albadri, is a prominent Somali journalist, social media personality, author, music composer in Maay and Mahatiri, and human rights activist. He has worked with prestigious media outlets, including Al Jazeera English, The Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, The Telegraph, The Guardian, Asahi Shimbun, and El Mundo. Abukar holds Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and another degree in Somali Language and Literature as well as a Master’s in Ethics and Governance. He conducted extensive human rights research from 2004 to 2014, advocating globally with campaigns in New York, Berlin, Amsterdam, London, Brussels, Geneva, Stockholm, and Copenhagen. Currently, he coordinates the Media Development Programme for International Media Support (IMS) in Somalia. He co-founded Arlaadi Media Network, Somalia’s first national Maay-language TV and radio outlet, created Baal Dahab, the first Somali-language social networking app, and he is member of Gobté Elif Maay, the committee that produced the Elif Maay script.
Mr. Yasin Bashir Sheikh Ibrahim
Board Member
Mr. Yasin Bashir Sh. Ibrahim is a distinguished professional specializing in institutional strengthening and project management, with a particular focus on advancing Somalia’s justice sector. He holds a master’s degree in international law and human Rights from the United Nations University for Peace and a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Akdeniz University in Turkey. Currently, Yasin serves as a senior advisor to the Ministry of Justice & Constitutional Affairs, where he leads capacity development and strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the justice sector’s effectiveness and inclusivity. His extensive experience includes serving as an advisor to the Turkish Embassy in Mogadishu, contributing as a researcher at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, and holding various key roles within the Somali Government. Fluent in Somali, English, and Turkish, Yasin brings exceptional communication and cross-cultural expertise to his work, making him a pivotal figure.
Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Nur
Board Member
Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Nor is a Somali economist and finance expert with a Ph.D. in International Finance from the Malaysian Science University (USM). His distinguished career spans both academia and public service. Currently, he serves as the Minister of Rural Development and Resilience in the Southwest State of Somalia, where he is focused on promoting sustainable development and enhancing resilience in communities vulnerable to climate change and food insecurity. In his previous role, Dr. Nor was the Chief Economist for the Southwest State of Somalia and served as the Permanent Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia from 2020 to 2022, overseeing key government operations. Since 2009, Dr. Nor has been a vital academic at SIMAD University in Mogadishu, where he has taught courses in economics, banking, and finance, and also served as Deputy Rector for Academics. He is a principal esearcher, publishing extensively in international journals on economics and finance, with a focus on post-conflict development issues. His academic and research work has made significant contributions to understanding economic recovery in post-conflict regions like Somalia.
Prof. Salim Alio Ibro
Board Member
Dr. Salim Alio Ibro is a distinguished Somali politician, academic, and veterinary scientist with an illustrious career in governance, education, and cultural preservation. Currently serving as a Member of Somalia’s Federal Parliament, he has been a pivotal figure in shaping Somalia’s legislative and policy landscape. Dr. Ibrow previously served as Acting Prime Minister in 2007 and held numerous ministerial positions, including in the Ministries of Justice and Religious Affairs, Energy and Water Resources, Livestock and Forestry, Finance, and Higher Education. With a robust academic foundation, Dr. Ibrow earned postgraduate credentials in infectious diseases and veterinary medicine from La Trobe University, Australia, and was a senior lecturer and Deputy Dean at Somali National University. He is also the author of the Jiddo-English Dictionary, contributing to linguistic preservation and cultural understanding. As Somalia’s National Commissioner for UNESCO, he championed cultural preservation and education. Dr. Ibrow’s remarkable expertise and steadfast commitment to national progress make him a highly respected leader in Somalia’s governance and development.
Prof. Abdirahman Haji Adam Ibrahim (Ibbi)
Board Member
Dr. Abdirahman Haji Aden Ibrahim (Ibbi) is a distinguished Somali statesman, academic, diplomat, and entrepreneur with a career of remarkable achievements across politics, governance, education, and business. Born in Wajid, Bakool, Somalia, Prof. Ibbi has been a driving force in advancing Somalia’s national and global presence. As Deputy Prime Minister, he shaped critical government reforms, while his roles as Minister of Information, State Minister first Parliament and Government relationship, and Minister of Fishery and Marine Resource emphasized institution building, sustainable development and innovation. Serving as Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the TNG Parliament and a Member of Parliament for over 20 years, Prof. Ibbi was pivotal in legislative progress and international diplomacy. In academia, he excelled as a senior lecturer at Somali National University, nurturing future leaders. In sports, he was the president of Zone 5, Vice President of AFABA and the first Maay-speaking International Referee for the Africa Basketball Federation, transforming Somalia sports into the African level. Prof. Ibbi was the 1st black person who became FIBA technical committee. His 15 years in the airline industry further showcase his commitment to Somalia’s economic growth and development
Prof. Mohamed Omar Dalha
Board Member
Prof. Mohamed Omar Dalha is a renowned Somali academic, diplomat, and politician with a distinguished career in education, governance, and international diplomacy. Holding a Master’s degree in Linguistics from the Khartoum International Institute, he has served as a Professor and lecturer at Somali National University, where he played a pivotal role in advancing higher education. In politics, Prof. Dalha has held several high-ranking positions, including First Deputy Speaker of the Somali Parliament, Acting President of Somalia (on multiple occasions), and Minister of Social Affairs and Rehabilitation. He served as the Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Committee within the Somali Parliament, where he worked on fostering international partnerships and shaping foreign policy. Recognized globally, he was honored as an Ambassador for Peace by the International Federation for World Peace and has represented Somalia at numerous international forums. His legacy encompasses education, cultural preservation, and significant contributions to Somalia’s development.
Mrs. Muna Yusuf Sakin
Board Member
Mrs. Muna Haji Yusuf Ali is a highly accomplished public health professional, gender advocate, and development expert with a distinguished track record in governance, peacebuilding, and community empowerment. Holding a BSc (Hons) in Public Health from Plasma University, she has further enriched her expertise through advanced training in conflict analysis, justice reform, and humanitarian preparedness with global organizations like UNDP and UNFPA. Muna has held key leadership positions, including Senior Gender Advisor to the Speaker of Somalia’s Federal Parliament and Senior Human Rights and Gender Advisor to the President of Southwest State. At Transparency Solutions, she served as director of business and at Horn Risk Management she served as the deputy chief operating officer, and spearheaded the Wakiil Women Project, advocating for women’s political participation and leadership. A co-founder of initiatives like the Baidoa Cultural Exhibition and Gurmad Qaran, she has championed cultural preservation, disaster relief, and grassroots empowerment. Muna is also a passionate advocate for the Maay language, actively promoting its cultural and linguistic significance.
Ms. Farhia Mohamed Yusuf
Board Member
Ms. Farhia Mohamed Yusuf is a governance, finance, and peacebuilding expert pursuing a Ph.D. in Peace, Governance, and Development. With extensive experience in financial management, electoral processes, and conflict resolution, she has held influential roles with organizations such as the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) and WAHA International. As a member of the Southwest Reconciliation Technical Committee, she has been instrumental in championing peace initiatives, developing early warning systems, and advocating for human rights. She has lectured on economics and project management, equipping the next generation of leaders with essential skills and knowledge. Her versatile expertise in finance, governance, and peacebuilding equips her to navigate and address challenges in complex environments effectively. Currently, she serves as a member of Somalia’s National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, where she continues to drive transformative change and uphold democratic principles in the country.
Mr. Abdifitah Dahir Jeyte
Board Member
Mr. Abdifitah Dahir Jayte is a highly accomplished journalist with over 25 years of expertise in investigative reporting. Currently serving as the Director of Radio Mogadishu and a Senior Journalist specializes in political analysis and international relations. He worked with prominent media outlets, including Shabelle Media Network and other media platforms, where he covered critical local and global events of significant impact. Jayte earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from SABO University in 2017. His exceptional reporting skills and dedication to the field have garnered him numerous accolades, including: The Best Reporter Award for his coverage of counter-terrorism operations, the Best Reporter Award for his work on political programs and debates in the national media. and a Medal of Honor recognizing his efforts in bridging communication between the Somali Parliament and the Somali people His dedication to journalism and his influence in shaping public discourse continue to leave a lasting impact on the field and society at large.
Mr. Ahmed Abdiaziz Mohamed (Almakhzumi)
Board Member
Mr. Ahmed Abdiaziz Mohamed (Almakhzumi), born in 1971 in Baidoa, Somalia, is an accomplished professional with extensive expertise in governance, development, and humanitarian initiatives. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Lower Shebelle, he has completed numerous certifications, including courses in financial management, environmental law, and project management from institutions such as the University of California, Irvine, and Columbia University.Ahmed’s career spans critical roles with organizations like MSF Holland, Goal Ireland, and various UN-backed programs, focusing on governance, human rights, and capacity-building workshops. Currently serving as Executive Director at Benadir Charity Council, he oversees WASH, education, health, and governance projects in collaboration with UN agencies. A trilingual professional fluent in Somali, English, and Arabic, Ahmed continues to contribute significantly to sustainable development and peacebuilding initiatives in Somalia.
Mr. Abdalla Mahamed Khaire Ahmed
Board Member
Mr. Abdalla Mahamed Khaire Ahmed is an accomplished diplomat and educator with extensive experience in management, counseling, and diplomatic affairs. Holding an MA in Arabic Language (Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers) from the Khartoum International Institute and a BA in Arabic Language from the International University of Africa, he has excelled academically and professionally. Abdalla has served as a First Counselor at the Somali Embassy in Oman and a Second Counselor in Qatar, managing consular, financial, and administrative affairs while acting on behalf of ambassadors. He is the founder of several educational institutions in Somalia, including Bashir Primary and Secondary School and Shodog Primary School, contributing significantly to educational development. Abdalla’s skills in problem-solving, communication, and decision-making have earned him recognition, including specialized training in diplomacy at Qatar’s Foreign Ministry. Fluent in English and Arabic, he continues to impact diplomacy and education with dedication and expertise.
Mr. Sharmaarke Ali Adan
Board Member
Mr. Sharmaarke Ali Adan, born in 1996 in Gouda, Netherlands, is a distinguished visual artist renowned for his authentic and nuanced depictions of Somali culture. A graduate of the University of East London and the Royal College of Art, where he was awarded the prestigious Frank Bowling Scholarship, Adan has established himself as a compelling voice in contemporary art. His acclaimed works include See My Dunya, a groundbreaking project that redefines Somali identity through a blend of everyday and stylized portraits, and Hargeisa, a photobook that vividly captures the essence of East Africa.\n\nAdan’s artistic contributions are equally significant in the broader cultural sphere. His work has been featured in the HOY (Home) exhibition in Somalia, showcased in football-inspired art at the OOF Gallery, and culminated in his Royal College of Art short film, Abkudeerinke Gootung: Legacy on the Pitch, an evocative exploration of heritage through sport. Through his art, Adan bridges cultural narratives and personal identity, offering profound insights into Somali heritage and the human experience.
Mr. Abdirisak Ali Ibrahim
Board Member
Mr. Abdirisak A. Ibrahim is an independent researcher focused on cultural and anthropological studies of Somalia’s riverine populations. His work explores the social structures, identities, traditions, and environmental interactions of these communities, utilizing qualitative research methods and ethnographic fieldwork. Abdirisak holds a master’s degree in international law and human Rights from University for Peace, and bachelor’s degree in international relations from Özyeğin University. He is dedicated to understanding the complexities of cultural identity and advocating for sustainable practices that respect the heritage of riverine peoples. Through his research, he aims to foster greater awareness and appreciation of the rich cultural tapestry of Somalia’s diverse communities.