List of Somalians
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is a list of notable Somalis from Somalia, Djibouti, and those of Somali heritage living elsewere in the world.
[edit] A
- Abdisalam Aato, Somali director
- Muhamed Hussein Abdallah, held in extrajudicial detention in the United States Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, in Cuba
- Ali Shido Abdi (Cali Shido Cabdi), politician and elder, one of the earliest members of Somali Youth League
- Abdi Sheik Abdi, writer and teacher
- Zahra Abdulla, Finnish midwife and politician and member of the Somali community in Finland
- Mohamed Diriye Abdullahi, journalist in Somalia and an independent Canadian scholar
- Mohammed Sheikh Adden, intellectual and former head of Somali Technological Development
- Abdullahi Ahmed Addou (Cabdilaahi Axmed Caddoow), senior Somali politician and diplomat
- Ibrahim Hassan Addou (Ibraahin Xasan Caddoow), head of foreign affairs department for the Islamic Courts of Somalia
- Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden (Shariif Xasan Sheekh Aadan), politician and former Speaker of the Transitional Federal Parliament
- Muktar Hussein Afrah, officer in the army of the Transitional Federal Government
- Hussein Kulmiye Afrah, vice President of Somalia in the era of Siad Barre
- Maxamed Daahir Afrax, novelist, playwright, journalist and scholar who writes in Somali, Arabic and English
- Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed (Cabdullaahi Yuusuf Axmed), politician, and the current transitional President of Somalia
- Sharif Ahmed (Shariif Sheekh Axmed), member of the Islamic Court Union
- Shire Jama Ahmed, linguist who devised a unique Latin script for the Somali language
- Mohamed Farrah Aidid (Maxamed Faarax Caydiid), chairman of United Somali Congress and later Somali National Alliance
- Uways al-Barawi, scholar credited with reviving Islam in 19th century East Africa
- Ahmad ibn Ibrihim al-Ghazi, Imam and General of Adal who defeated Emperor Lebna Dengel of Ethiopia
- Ayaan Hirsi Ali (Ayaan Xirsi Cali or Ayaan Hirsi Magan), feminist and political writer
- Osman Jama Ali (Cismaan Jaamac Cali), Prime Minister under the Transitional National Government
- Mohamed Warsame Ali (Maxamed Warsame Cali "Kiimiko"), politician and diplomat
- Amina Said Ali, author, poet, and medical scientist based in Stockholm, Sweden
- Botan Ise Alin (Bootaan Ciise Caalin), warlord, formerly based in Mogadishu, and a former member of the Somali Transitional Government
- Abd Al-Rahman bin Ahmad al-Zayla'i, scholar who played a crucial role in the spread of the Qadiriyyah movement
- Abu Taha al-Sudan (Abu Talha al-Sudani or Tariq Abdullah), suspected member of the Al Qaeda terrorist organization, reported to be an explosives expert
- Muhammad Al-Sumaalee, scholar who was a teacher in Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah
- Hassan Abdullah Hersi al-Turki, Islamist leader in Somalia and military leader in the Islamic Courts Union
- Muhammad ibn Aqil, possible ancestor of the Somali Banu Dawud, or Darod clan
- Arawelo, Somali Queen of the 7th century AD
- Shidane Arone (Shidane Caroone), Somali teenager who was beaten to death by Canadian soldiers from the Canadian Airborne Regiment
- Osman Ali Atto (Cismaan Xasan Cali), warlord, affiliated with the Somali National Alliance
- Hassan Dahir Aweys (Xasan Daahir Aweys), head of the 90-member Shura council of the Islamic Courts Union
- Marian Hussein Awreye (Maryan Xuseen Maxamed Awreeye), peace activist and director of the Isma'il Jim'ale Human Rights organization
[edit] B
- Zahra Bani, Italian javelin thrower of Somali descent
- Abdulrahman Jama Barre Well respected former Somali Foreign Minister and close relative of Siad Barre
- Siad Barre (Siyaad Barre), Head of State of Somalia
- Mohammed Sulaymon Barre, held in extrajudicial detention in the United States Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, in Cuba
- Fatimo Isaak Bihi, Ambassador to Geneva and former Director of the African Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Abdi Bile, middle distance runner
- Hussain Bisad, has the largest hand span of anyone alive
- Ahmed Sheikh Ali "Burale", author and politician
[edit] C
- Awaare Caraale Cali, Chief Aqil of Gaanshaan-Buur of the Warsangali
- Mohamed Ahmed Cantoobo (Maxamed Axmed Cantoobo), leader of the Somali Labour Party and head of the University of Central Somalia
- Faarax Maxamed Jaamac Cawl, Somali writer
- Jaamac Cumar Ciise, veteran historian and collector of oral literature
[edit] D
- Aden Abdullah Osman Daar (Aaden Cabdulle Cismaan Daar), Somali politician and the country's first President
- Yusuf Ahmed Hagar Dabageed (Yuusuf Axmed Xagar), governor of the Hiran region of Somalia
- Abdallah Isaaq Deerow (Cabdalle Deeroow Isaaq), Minister of Constitutional Affairs of the transitional government
- Akil Dhahar, leader of the Sanaag region and some portions of the Bari region
- Mohamed Omar Habeb Dhere (Maxamed Cumar Xabeeb), warlord based out of the city of Jowhar
- Olol Diinle, last Sultan of the Ajuran (or Ajuuraan) Somali clan lineage to rule an independent kingdom
- Waris Dirie, fashion model and a UN advocate for the abolition of female genital mutilation
- Hussein Ali Duale (Xuseen Cali Ducaale), finance minister of Somaliland, and former ambassador of Somalia to Kenya and Uganda
[edit] E
- Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal (Maxamed Xaaji Ibraahim Cigaal), president of Somaliland
- Asha Haji Elmi (Caasha Xaaji Cilmi), peace activist in Somalia
- Aden Hashi Farah "Eyrow", leader of the Hizbul Shabaab, the youth movement of the Somali Islamic Courts Union
[edit] F
- Hassan Abshir Farah (Xasan Abshir Faarax), politician
- Mohammed Farah, British international track and field athlete from London.
- Nuruddin Farah, novelist particularly concerned with women's liberation in postcolonial Somalia
- Abdulahi Sheik Ismael Fara-Tag, commander in the army of the Transitional Federal Government
- Hussein Mohamed Farrah (Xuseen Maxamed Faarax), interim President and leader of the Somali National Alliance
- Omar Muhamoud Finnish (Cumar Maxamuud Finish), Mogadishu-based warlord
[edit] G
- Maxamed Xaashi Dhamac 'Gaariye' (Mohamed Hashi Dhamac), poet and literary scholar
- Adde Gabow (Mohamed Ali Hassan or Maxamed Cali Xasan), former governor of the Banaadir region and mayor of Mogadishu
- Mohamoud Mohamed Gacmodhere (Maxamed Maxamuud Guuleed), Interior Minister and formerly the Minister of Public Works and Housing
- Ali Khalif Galaid (Cali Khalif Gallaydh), Prime Minister of Somalia
- Ali Khalif Galeyr (Cali Khaliif Galleyr), Prime Minister under the Transitional National Government
- Umar Arteh Ghalib (Omer Carte Qalib), politician
- Ali Mohammed Ghedi (Maxamed Cali Geeddi), Prime Minister of the Transitional Federal Government
- Mohamed Nuur Giriig, classical singer
- Cabdulle Gorod (Abdulle Gorod), fought against colonialism
[edit] H
- Habiiba Ahmed Haaji, vice-manager of the African Educational Trust
- Garaad Warsame Abdi Haashi, prominent Somali leader
- Muhammad Ibrahim Habsade (Maxamed Ibraahim Xaabsade), rebel soldier and Transport Minister in the Somali Transitional Federal Government
- Mohamed Ibrahim Warsame 'Hadrawi' (Maxamed Ibraahim Warsame 'Hadraawi'), poet and songwriter
- Ali Matan Hashi (Cali Mataan Xaashi), first Somali pilot, oversaw the growth of the Somali Air Force
- Mohamed Abdi Hashi (Maxamad Cabdi Xashi), interim President of Puntland
- Abdiqasim Salad Hassan (Cabdiqaasim Salaad Xasan), prominent politician
- Mohammed Abdullah Hassan (Maxamed Cabdulle Xasan), religious and nationalist leader (called the "Mad Mullah" by the British)
- Mohamud Muse Hersi (Maxamuud Muuse Xirsi), President of Puntland
- Abdirashid Mohamed Hidig (Cabdirashiid Maxamed Xidig), Member of Parliament in the Transitional Federal Parliament
- Barre Adan Shire Hiiraale (Barre Aadan Shire, Barre Hiiraale, Barre "Hirale" Aden Shire, or Abdikadir Adan Shire), Minister of Defense of the Somali Transitional Federal Government
- Abdullahi Ali Hiirad, founder of the first Somali Civil Society Organisation
- Daud Abdulle Hirsi (Daa'uud Cabdulle Xirsi), Somali military leader and minister of defence following Somalia's independence
- Haji Dirie Hirsi (Xaaji Diiriye Xirsi), trader and business man who contributed to the founding of the Somali Youth League
- Aden Ibrahim Aw Hirsi, author who specializes in Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and political science, Governor of Gedo Region 2007-2008
- Mohamud Hashi Abdi Hoosh, commander of the Jubba Regional Army
- Sultan Hurre (Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud), elected as sultan by his Majerten Omar Mohamud sub-clan
- Ismail Mahmud Hurre (Ismaaciil Maxamuud Hurre), foreign minister of the Transitional Federal Government
- Abdirizak Haji Hussein (Cabdirasaaq Xaaji Xuseen), Prime Minister of Somalia
- Sheikh Mukhtar Mohamed Hussein (Sheekh Mukhtaar Maxamed Xuseen), speaker of parliament and interim president
[edit] I
- Ahmed Farah Ali 'Idaja' (Axmed Faarax Cali 'Idaajaa'), Somali language writer and 'father' of the Somali written folklore
- Iman (Iman Abdulmajid or Iimaan Cabdimajiid), supermodel based in the United States
- Yusuf Mohammed Siad Inda'ade (Yuusuf Maxamed Siyaad "Indhacadde"), member of the Islamic Courts Union
- Abdi Bashiir Indhobuur, poet and songwriter
- Warsame Indhoole, Italian-educated scholar who was the Director of the Somali Developmental Cash Program
- Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Cabdullaahi Sheekh Ismaaciil), deputy prime minister and foreign minister in the transitional government of Somalia
- Edna Adan Ismail (Edna Aadan Ismaaciil or Adna Aadan Ismaaciil), Foreign Minister of the unrecognized Republic of Somaliland
- Abdullahi Issa (Cabdullahi Ciise Maxamuud), first Prime Minister of Somalia
- Abdisalam Issa-Salwe, lecturer in Information Systems at Thames Valley University in the United Kingdom
- Hirsi Magan Isse (Xirsi Magan Ciise), scholar and one of the leading figures of the Somali revolution
[edit] J
- Jama Ali Jama (Jaamac Cali Jaamac), president of Puntland
- Afdhere Jama, Somali-American writer based in San Francisco
- Abdirahman Janaqow (Cabdiraxmaan Maxamuud Faarax Janaqoow), leader and deputy chairman of the Islamic Courts Union of Somalia
- Mohamed Mohamud Jango'an, Interior Minister of Somalia
- Salad Ali Jelle (Salaad Cali Jeelle), Deputy Minister of Defense of the Transitional Federal Government
- Fatima Jibrell is founder of the Horn of Africa Relief and Development Organization (Horn Relief).
[edit] K
- Dahir Riyale Kahin (Daahir Riyaale Kaahin), President of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland
- Yaasiin Cismaan Keenadiid, one of the founders of the Somali Youth League
- K'naan (K'naan Warsame), Canadian poet and hip-hop artist
- Abdi Kusow, professor of sociology and anthropology at Oakland University
[edit] L
- Lightbright (Obax Majid), fictional Marvel Comics superhero
- Fabio Liverani, Italian footballer for ACF Fiorentina of Serie A
- Luqman Aden Genuis and founder of LeoNex Inc.
[edit] M
- Ali Maow Maalin, last person in the world known to be infected with naturally occurring smallpox
- Adan Mohamed Nuur Madobe (Aaden Maxamed Nuur Madoowe), former cabinet minister and the present Speaker of Parliament of the Transitional Federal Government
- Magool (Halima Khaliif Omar), singer and musician
- Mahfuz, Imam of Zeila and general of Sultan Muhammad ibn Azhar ad-Din of Adal
- Mire Hagi Farah Mohamed, Finance Minister of Somali's federal Government
- Abdulmalik Mohammed, held in extrajudicial detention in the United States Guantanamo Bay detention camps, in Cuba
- Mohammed Said Hersi Morgan (Maxamed Siciid Xirsi Moorgan), son-in-law of Siad Barre and minister of defense of Somalia
- Ali Mahdi Muhammad (Cali Mahdi Maxamed), president of Somalia
- Mohamed Haji Mukhtar, Professor of African and Middle Eastern History at Savannah State University
- Maryam Mursal, musician and soul singer
- Mohamed Olad Hassan, journalist of the BBC and Ap]]
[edit] N
- Ismail Qasim Naji (Ismaaciil Qaasim Naaji), chief of staff of the Transitional Federal Government
- Yusuf Haji Nur (Yuusuf Xaaji Nuur), President of Puntland
[edit] O
- Haji Farah Ali Omar (Xaaji Faarax Cali Cumar), politician
- Yasin Hassan Omar, convicted for his role in the attempted 21st July attacks on London's public transport system
- Ali Mohamed Osoble (Ali Wardhigley), Somali politician and Member of Parliament in the civilian government
[edit] P
[edit] Q
- Fuad Mohamed Qalaf, militant Islamist and leading member of the Islamic Courts Union
- Mohamed Afrah Qanyare (Maxamed Qanyare Afrax), ex Somali warlord
- Abdi Hasan Awale Qeybdiid (Cabdi Xasan Cawaale Qeybdiid), militia leader, or warlord, affiliated with the Somali National Alliance
[edit] R
[edit] S
- Fathiya Saleban Somali actress
- Irir Samaale (Irir Samali), oldest common ancestor to several Somali clans and their respective subclans
- Mohamed Ali Samatar, army officer, and was a key figure in Somali politics
- Muse Dude Samatar, politician
- Said Sheikh Samatar, professor of African history at Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey
- Aden Saran-Sor (Aaden Maxamed Nuur), warlord, commander in the Rahanweyn Resistance Army
- Mohamed Said Sayruq (Maxamed Siciid Aadan "Sayruuq"), mayor of Bosaso
- Hasan Muhammad Nur Shatigadud (Xasan Maxamed Nuur Shaatigaduud), Somali warlord and chairman of the Rahanweyn Resistance Army
- Abdirashid Ali Shermarke (Cabdirashiid Cali Sharmaarke), President of Somalia
- Mohamoud Ali Shire, 27th Sultan of the Sultanate of Warsengeli
- Hussein Shuqul, head of the Jaalle Siyaad National Military College
- Fatima Siad, third place finisher on America's Next Top Model, Cycle 10. Victim of female genital mutilation.
- Ahmed M. Mahamoud Silanyo (Axmed Maxamed Maxamuud "Siilaanyo"), unsuccessful 2003 candidate for President of Somaliland and Chairman of The Kulmiye Party
- Mohammed Suleiman, middle-distance runner competing for Qatar
[edit] T
- Mohamud Siad Togane, Canadian poet, professor, and political activist
[edit] V
[edit] W
- Abdourahman Waberi, writer and teacher
- Faysal Ali Warabe (Faysal Cali Waraabe), chairman of the Justice and Welfare Party of Somaliland
- Ahmed Warsame, head of the former Somali Military Academy and Somali National Front
- Yasmin Warsame, Somali-born Canadian supermodel
[edit] X
- Cali Xuseen Xirsi, poet
[edit] Y
- Musa Sudi Yalahow (Muuse Suudi Yalaxoow), warlord who served as Trade Minister in the Transitional Government
- Abdiqadir Hersi Yam-Yam, poet and scholar
- Ahmed Yusuf Yasin (Axmed Yuusuf Yaasiin), Vice-President of Somaliland
- Muhammad Abdi Yusuf (Maxamed Cabdi Yuusuf), prime minister of Somalia
- Abdulqawi Yusuf, lawyer who is currently Legal Adviser, Director of the Office of International Standards and Legal Affairs for UNESCO
- Ahmed Yusuf, Somali-born Swedish citizen who was listed on the United Nations list of individuals belonging to or associated with the al-Qaeda organisation