Somaliland is mourning the passing away of its former President Maxamed Maxamuud ‘Siilaanyo’.
Siilaanyo passed away on Friday evening at the age of 86. according to a statement from his family.
Siilaanyo, as he was fondly known, served as the fourth President of Somaliland from 2010 to 2017. His tenure was marked by significant strides in infrastructure development, economic reforms, and efforts to bolster Somaliland’s quest for international recognition as an independent state.
During his presidency, he focused on stabilising the region, fostering peaceful elections, and promoting education and health reforms. His leadership was widely lauded for maintaining Somaliland’s relative stability in a turbulent Horn of Africa region.
Silanyo served as the leader of the Somali National Movement (SNM), the founder of the ruling Kulmiye party, and later became President of Somaliland from 2010 to 2017.
As chairman of the SNM from 1984 to 1990, Silanyo played a pivotal role in the movement that ousted the military regime of Mohamed Siyad Barre. Following the collapse of Barre’s government, Somaliland declared independence in 1991, though it remains unrecognized internationally.
During his presidency, Silanyo championed political reforms and infrastructure development. He is also remembered for his fierce opposition to the administration of President Dahir Riyale Kahin from 2002 to 2010, which culminated in his election victory.
Silanyo retired from politics in 2017 due to age and health issues, spending his final years in Hargeisa.
Silanyo’s passing marks the end of an era in Somaliland politics, leaving behind a legacy of revolutionary leadership, dedicated public service, and political transformation that helped shape modern Somaliland.
