Somaliland

Giant in Somaliland Journalism passed away

October 22, 2010   ·   1878813 Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fsomalilandpress.com%2Fgiant-in-somaliland-journalism-passed-away-18788Giant+in+Somaliland+Journalism+passed+away+2010-10-23+01%3A53%3A22Mohamed+H.+Gulaidhttp%3A%2F%2Fsomalilandpress.com%2F%3Fp%3D18788

HARGEISA (Somalilandpress) — Abdirisaaq Mohamed Dubad, a powerhouse in Somaliland print media who worked for number of the county’s major newspapers, died today of a heart attack at age 36 in Hargeisa. Abdirisaaq Mohamed Dubad collapsed from sudden heart attack and he was hospitalized in Hargeisa General Hospital for two days before he was announced dead late tonight in Hargeisa time. The deceased was survived by his wife and four children.

Abdirisaaq Mohamed Dubad was born in Ainabo Caynabo in 1974. He was a giant in Somaliland independent media. He worked for the major newspapers in the country throughout different political stages in Somaliland short history.

Abdirisaaq Mohamed Dubad founded number of early newspapers in the country. He founded Togdheer Newspaper in 1993, which was based in Burco. At that time Somaliland was emerging from brutal war that left the country devastated and without resources. Togdheer used to be typed with typewriters and sometimes it used to be handwritten. In 1997 Abdiriisaq Dubad moved to Hargeisa where he founded another newspaper, Voice of Hargeisa, before he joined Somaliland biggest newspaper at the time, Jamhuuriya in 1997.

After Jamuuriya staff spilt in 2003, Abdirisaaq was founding member of Haatuf newspaper in Hargeisa, which later dominated Hargeisa market. Also during this time he was popular columnist for Somaliland.org, a website that advocated oppositions’ point of views.

I talked to Said Yusuf, who was the editor for Jamhuuriya from 1997-2003. Yusuf worked closely with Abdirisaaq during that time.

“Abdirissq was dedicated man. I never have seen a journalist who worked that hard. Even though Abdirisaaq was young, he was wise beyond his youthful years. He had a natural way to tell a good story. His writing was precise and clear. People knew his writing and style. He was never intimidated to tell truth, even if that would put him at risk. Also He was very tolerant and kind person. He took the time to train and mentor many young people, who followed in his footsteps.”

Yusuf talked about Abdirisaaq dedication to journalism and belief in the role of the press to provide the necessary oversight in democratic systems.

Beside his contribution to print media in Somaliland, Abdirisaaq pioneered in bringing new technology into crowed Hargeisa media business. He worked for number of websites and FM and Internet radio stations that reached hundred of thousands in Somaliland and worldwide. He worked for Radio Horyaal, which later became a major outlet for opposition parties during the last election. He also wrote a popular column about social issues and public frustration for number of websites. In addition, he was managing editor for the English version of Jamhuuriya newspaper, before he was appointed as the highest-ranking official in ministry of information and press in Somaliland.

Somalilandpress senior reporter in Hargeisa, Abdiqani Baynah was one of Abdirisaaq’s many prodigies. Somalilandpress staffs send condolences to Abdirisaaq Mohamed Dubad’s family and his colleagues at all outlets he worked for.  May

Inaa lilaahi wa inaa Ilayhi Raajicuun.

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By Mohamed H. Gulaid

Tags: somaliland newspaper journalism abdirisaaq Mohamed Dubad hargeisa baynah