By Abdullahi A. Nor
To those in power, when they leave this world, will their name be remembered with honor or shame?
In the heart of Somalia’s darkest times, when bullets replaced ballots and destruction became the language of governance, one woman stood as a beacon of hope. Dr. Hawa Abdi did not hoard wealth, did not manipulate power, and did not betray her people. Instead, she dedicated her life to healing, sheltering, and protecting the vulnerable. She built, while others destroyed. She gave, while others stole.
Today, as the Somali leaders—sit in air-conditioned offices, sign contracts that benefit only their inner circle, and siphon off international aid meant for the people, do they ever stop to ask : What will history say about them?
A Tale of Two Legacies: The Selfless vs. the Self-Serving
Dr. Hawa Abdi’s legacy is one of sacrifice, service, and unwavering dedication to her people. She did not demand loyalty through fear, nor did she buy allegiance with stolen wealth. Instead, she earned the love and respect of her people through her actions.
Contrast her with some of Africa’s most notorious corrupt leaders—men who, are or/were entrusted with power but chose greed over governance.
Look at Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo)—a man who plundered his nation’s wealth, built extravagant palaces while his people starved, and left behind a broken nation drowning in debt and conflict. He lived in luxury while his people suffered. Where is he now? Buried in exile, his name forever tied to shame and destruction.
Or consider Sani Abacha of Nigeria, who looted billions of dollars, enriching himself and his family while ordinary Nigerians struggled for basic necessities. Even in death, his name is synonymous with corruption. His family continues to be forced to return stolen money, but no amount of restitution can cleanse his name from history’s judgment.
Now, let’s ask Somali leaders: Are they on the path of Dr. Hawa Abdi, or are they walking in the footsteps of Mobutu and Abacha?
Leaders who built, not destroyed
Africa has not only produced corrupt leaders; it has also given the world men and women of integrity, those who, like Dr. Hawa Abdi, chose service over selfishness.
Think of Nelson Mandela, who endured 27 years in prison but emerged without bitterness, choosing reconciliation over revenge. He could have used his presidency to enrich himself, but he lived humbly, focusing instead on building a unified South Africa. Today, his name is spoken with reverence across the world.
Consider Wangari Maathai of Kenya, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning environmentalist who fought against corruption and deforestation despite threats and imprisonment. She refused to sell out her principles, and today, she is remembered as a hero, not a thief.
Or look at Thomas Sankara of Burkina Faso, who, in his short time as president, rejected luxury, cut government salaries (including his own), and prioritized national self-sufficiency. He was assassinated by corrupt forces threatened by his honesty, but even in death, his legacy endures.
Now, look at Somali leaders. Which path are they choosing?
The Tragedy of Somalia’s Leadership
Somalia, like many African nations, has been blessed with extraordinary individuals—leaders, activists, and visionaries who have fought for justice and progress. Yet, time and again, the country has been hijacked by corrupt politicians who see public office as a business opportunity rather than a sacred trust.
They use international development funds as a political weapon, selectively withholding from the public to be serviced them or from certain member states. Somali leaders isolate regions that do not align with their administration’s policies, prioritizing control over national unity. they have abandoned governance and turned state resources into personal wealth.
Somali leaders used the blood of SNA as a means to enrich their family by giving them logistics that never arrived at the front. They evicted families of the poor soldiers from public land with the aim to sell it to selfless businesspeople in their circle while making the fighting forces’ families IDPs. With their unholy actions, the SNA collapsed. They only have themselves to blame for the state the government is in.
Somali leaders have transformed the dream of a united, prosperous Somalia into a personal enterprise, where loyalty is bought, and opposition is crushed. They have turned Mogadishu into a political fortress rather than a national capital, making it unsafe for other federal leaders, who daren’t set foot in Mogadishu without international community’s security guarantees.
A Choice Between Legacy and Infamy
Dr. Hawa Abdi could have left Somalia. She could have settled in a safe country, built a comfortable life, and enjoyed her wealth. But she chose her people over personal gain. She built a hospital when the government failed. She sheltered thousands when—Somalia’s leaders—were too busy fighting over power. She confronted warlords and corrupt officials with nothing but the strength of her conviction.
Now, imagine a future where their children change their last names to escape the shame brought upon them. Imagine the streets echoing with curses instead of prayers for soul.
Yet, it is not too late.
They are in power today, and can still choose to change. They can choose to be remembered as leaders who stood for justice, who rejected corruption, and who put the people first. They can choose to restore trust, to ensure that no Somali region is starved of development, and to govern with integrity.
Final thought: What will the legacy Be?
Dr. Hawa Abdi has left this world, but her name remains immortal. She is remembered as a healer, a protector, and a builder.
The question is: What will the legacy of those currently in power in Somalia be? Will they be remembered as leaders who served their country honorably, or as looters who robbed Somalia of its future? Everyone in public office should choose wisely—before history writes verdict in ink that can never be erased.
Abdullahi A. Nor
Email: abdulahinor231@gmail.com