Remembering late Mr. Jama
Mahamoud Haid governor of Djibouti Central Bank
A
year and two weeks passed since we were shocked with the death of a gigantic
personality, a leader and shrewd economist. This makes me reflect what I have
said then and there.
It was a night, Friday was the day, 11th of January 2013, and
I was alone in my room. I switched on my laptop to update my nightly
information about the home country and its environs. I hit Gabiley.net and my
eyes caught a dreadful news item that sent an electric shock to my heart. The
death of great leader, gigantic personality and dear friend, Mr. Jama Mahamoud
Haid is announced. I have no one to share with this calamity but my heart and
mind. I recited 11 times the Ikhlas sura and prayed Allah with Fatah to
safe-guide Jama’s soul to the heaven.
My sincere condolence to his family, other relatives, friends, the
government and the people of Djibouti, headed by the President of Djibouti HE
Ismail Omer Guelleh and first lady, the sister of the deceased Mrs. Khadra
Mahamoud Haid.
It is like this time, we remember how vulnerable we are, how temporary
our life is and how our days are counted. Each day gone reduces our life span and
each night passed is another one less. Continuously we are stepping, however
slow it may seem, towards our grave. We know not the moment we say goodbye to
this world, but certainly we know we shall face that eventuality sooner or later.
That is one of the few certainty shared by all humanity regardless of status,
creed and colour.
Jama Mahamoud was a sagacious economist and shrewd financier. He
governed Djibouti Central Bank for nearly two decades, a tenure second to none
in length and quality. The economic growth, wealth creation and financial
stability, Djibouti accomplished during his reign, tantamount to Jama’s success
story.
With his savoir faire and
dedication, Djibouti attracted huge foreign investment from Arabia and afar. In
a region of turbulent economy and quivering currency, he stabilized Djibouti
Franc avoiding potential inflation. With its skimpy population Djibouti’s
budget reached over one billion dollar annually, a figure relatively too lofty
for the countries in the region.
Socially Jama was a man of society, with leadership that knew no
national frontier. His death is felt throughout the region: Djibouti,
Somaliland, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya. He devoted to the wellbeing of all
citizens in the region, sticking together with shared conviction to get a great
leap forward for regional development. He was truly passionate for regional cooperation.
Jama was a true son of two states but one nation: Djibouti and
Somaliland. He spent great effort and time to maintain natural brotherhood
between these two states. He never allowed any crack, tear and wear of the
times to leave an open wound. This friendship is clearly manifested by the
mourning of Somalilanders in every town and village. Planes started to come and
go by the hour for two days, picking mourners to attend his interment.
I met men and women of all walks of life in mourning and they all agreed
that Jama was a true son of both countries, a devoted Muslim and man of mercy
and dignity. He was short in talk but long in deeds. He was selfless nationalist
and helping hand to the needy and poor. His charity extended beyond Djibouti.
It reached all Somali inhabited regions in the Horn of Africa.
Personally, it was few months ago when I phoned him asking about the
Islamic Banking Conference that had been held in Djibouti. His voice was calm,
calculated and precise. He gave all I need and invited me to visit Djibouti. Surprisingly
he articulated in a friendly tone, that he never expected I would be out of his
reach in this long since my appointment. We agreed to meet by the end of
January. Alas it never happened. Truly, it is said man proposes and Allah
disposes. To me his death is so painful and of great individual loss. I was
looking forward to a new, refreshed cooperation between us and within our
corresponding positions. I had a good working plan intact. With the minutes I spent with him over the
phone, I discerned how bright, sharp and open minded Jama was, and how he ponders
for the benefit of Djibouti in every minute of his time. Equally he presumed as
own duty to work-out for any project that lends a hand to both countries.
I hope his successor will fill his shoes fully and at ease. I anticipate
our corresponding capacities will be shoved to the profit of both our
countries, and I look forward to maintain our brotherly two states closer and
closer, for we are one people.
Jama did the best he can, and left a history written in gold and
diamond. Generations will remember him and his deeds will be reflected in
perpetuity. His good performance will go with him to the grave and stay with
him to serve as his witnesses in the Day of Judgment. That is engraved in our
Islamic religion. Do good deeds and it will be with you forever.
Let us all, friends and relatives pray Allah to forgive Jama and bestow
him the best of heavens: Jantul Fardaws, Ameen. And let us preserve all good
deeds he initiated in eternity.
With heart full of sorrow, I share with Djibouti government and people,
the loss of this great personality, a son of two states and one people:
Djibouti and Somaliland.
Mr. Ahmed Hassan Arwo
Somaliland
Presidential Economic Advisor.
Presidential
Palace, Hargeysa
Somaliland
Tel: 002522
409 6421
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