Somalia Pays Tribute to Former Parliament Speaker Prof. Jawari with Honored State Funeral [PHOTOS]
Mogadishu (AX) – Somalis gathered to bid a heartfelt farewell to Prof. Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari, the former Speaker of their Parliament, in a state funeral on Saturday. Noteworthy figures such as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Barre were in attendance for this solemn occasion.
Announced deceased last Friday at 79 years of age, Prof. Jawari was lauded by current leaders as a venerable statesman with a six-decade-long commitment to Somalia’s government.
President Mohamud offered a tribute, hailing Prof. Jawari as pivotal in shaping governmental structures and institutions in Somalia.
“His service spanned numerous roles, dedicating his life and resources to rebuilding the nation,” stated President Mohamud.
Who was Prof. Jawari?
Hailing from Afgoye in the Lower Shabelle region in 1945, Prof. Mohamed Sheikh Osman spent his childhood in Bur Hakaba within the Bay region and pursued legal studies at the Somali National University.
From 1979 to 1985, he was the Permanent Secretary at both the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Between 1973 and 1979, he also served as Director General and Deputy Director General at the same Ministry.
Under former President Mohamed Siad Barre, he climbed the ranks to become Minister of Transport, Labor, and Labor. He also held a parliamentary position during the military regime.
Following the government’s collapse, Prof. Jawari relocated to Norway where he engaged in developmental and educational projects.
When efforts for Somali governmental reformation began, he returned to actively contribute. He led the Independent Commission that crafted the new constitution and served as a senior advisor for the Constitution Commission for years.
In 2012, he ascended to be the Speaker of Somalia’s first elected Federal Parliament, chosen by traditional elders. He again held the position of House of the People Speaker in 2017 but stepped down following a political dispute.
Recently, President Hassan Sheikh included him in a committee to defend Somalia’s sovereignty amidst strained relations with Ethiopia.
Prof. Jawari, a university lecturer, motivated students to focus on national development. Fluent in Somali, Italian, English, Arabic, and Norwegian, he deeply understood Somali culture.
Despite false social media rumors of his demise in 2022, his family debunked the reports.
Passing away at 79, Prof. Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari left a legacy, survived by nine children—five daughters and four sons.
