by Abdisamad Nur Bidar
Sunday August 14, 2022
Today, I am breaking a
cardinal rule of mine: Never to discuss publicly, showcase or flaunt my
relationships with politicians. I keep that private. Perhaps, some would show
up in future formal publications. Of course, rigidity may sometimes defeat a
good purpose, so one should leave room for an exception. The new Minister of
Planning, my good friend, The Hon Mohamud Abdirahman Beenebeene, is the
first politician I will discuss publicly. He also happens to be the only Somali
politician with whom I attended an event held in his honor during all my years
in Minneapolis, reflecting my regard for him
Before I talk about the
estimable Beenebeene, let me preface that I abhor the premature Somali
celebrations of new political officeholders before a record to judge and
celebrate. Let us hold off the applause, waving of the flags, and the cringy
songs until there is enough evidence and a cause for celebration.
The new government's slogan
is "Soomaali heshiis ah\Somalis at peace with one another." I thought
whoever coined that term must have had Mr. Beenebeene in mind when conjuring
the memorable phrase. Mr. Beenebeene is a true personification of the concept.
A quick sample of his friends in Minnesota and their view of him would validate
that in a hurry. Somalis from East and West, North and South, universally like
him and respect him. I have yet to meet anyone with substantial interactions
with him speaking negatively of him. He is a gentleman of the highest order.
He and I met eight years ago
when he moved to Minnesota from Tennessee. We instantly connected, much like
many with whom he crossed paths in Minnesota. I found him to be polite,
respectful, and generous to the core. A good listener, aware, comfortable, and
confident, he constantly searched for new knowledge and challenges. He respects
you for who you are, your expertise and experience, an admirable character
trait missing from many Somali politicians. Never "I know everything
type," he understands what to improve on and seeks advice and directions
from the right resources. He and I would meet for extended discussions. A
voracious reader, he was always on the lookout for a good read—a learned man in
the truest sense of the word. Away and removed from Somalia for so many years,
my view of the struggle, especially in the redevelopment of the education
sector during the civil war, was primarily negative or incomplete at best.
Through Mr. Beenebeene, I learned and developed a healthy outlook and
appreciation of the substantial progress in the education sector in the most
trying times for Somalia and the leading lights of the movements.
My view of him as a gracious
gentleman with a calm demeanor but stern beliefs and principles was cemented
even more during his last five years as a well-known political opposition
member of the parliament. Never a bomb thrower, unnecessarily flaming an
already fragile and divided environment, and never bringing non-germane topics
to the debate, he was all about the issues based on the existing rules,
procedures, and the constitution. In other words, he often made his case
without raising his voice or diluting his messages with careless language and
unwarranted hyperbole — a sign of a mature, seasoned politician.
During his returns to
Minnesota, he and I would meet for dinners. He would give me an unfiltered
analysis of the situation in Somalia. Never would he ever utter an insult or a
derogatory tone or speak ill-will on anyone; it was all about policy, its
ramifications, or structural deficiencies, with options and opposing ideas
presented in a balanced method. In other words, he was the "model
opposition" for a country recovering from years of civil war and mayhem.
Hon. Abdirahman Beenebeene is
the type of person you are glad they are in your orbit. He would return your
phone calls regardless of his location, in Mogadishu, Turkey, Kenya, or
anywhere else.
In general, Somalis are not
solicitous of feedback and are never receptive to negative or constructive
feedback intended for improvements. Mr. Beenebeene is open to feedback and
suggestions, a rare quality in today's politicians. I implore my good friend
never to lose sight of that excellent quality now that he has been entrusted
with the solemn responsibility of leading a significant and influential
ministry.
Being an amiable gentleman is
not a prerequisite for being a competent, effective, and influential minister.
Still, it is a helpful quality that paves the way to effectively govern and achieve
one's goals and objectives. I hope and pray that my good friend becomes a
wildly successful minister. And who knows, he might one day become another
President from Hiiraan, much like our first President!
And now, let me conclude by
sharing my private message to Xildhibaan Mohamud Abdirahman Beenebeene upon
learning his appointment as a Minister of Planning. It is indicative of the
type of relationship we share, strictly professional and learning from one
another:
Abdisamad Nur Bidar