Somali's best and brightest being targeted by gunmen

[OLOL]

Somali's best and brightest being targeted by gunmen

 

 

By: Abdulkadir Khalif (notav@notav.com)

 

News of the recent shooting of Abdalla Nurrudin Ahmed spread like bushfire across Somalia, particularly Mogadishu. It was on Somali websites within hours.

 

The incident took place his Aana 2 snack bar in the Ali Kamin area in the capital. Several shots were reportedly fired at, arguably, the best known man in Somalia.

 

The attacker, reportedly a lone man fired several shots at Abdalla Nurrudin, but the victim escaped with injuries.

 

A poet, an advertiser, a composer, a presenter and teacher, Abdalla Nurrudin's contributions to society are many and diverse.

 

Somalis, who have known Abdalla through various, almost universally failed to understand why anyone would want to kill such a man.

 

So, public reaction to the attack was one of fury." How could a young man simply walk into the popular restaurant and open fire on a man who never harmed a fellow citizen?" asked a city dweller.

 

At Medina hospital, where Abdalla Nurrudin is admitted, the visitors' book is said to be filling up fast as well-wishers flock there to deliver camel milk and oodkac - a popular fried camel meat cutlet.

 

"We have no culture of taking flowers to those in hospital," a visitor explained.

 

The attack was comndemned by old and young alike, as well as by artistes and business people. Civil society, human-rights groups and other community watchdogs have demanded behavioural change in our violent society.

 

"Listening to Abdalla describe what happened to him was a reminder of the man's courage," said a sympathiser.

 

In a chaotic society like Somalia, Abdalla's public exposure has always made him a possible target for elimination.

 

He is a perfect role model for those aspiring for creative engagements and entrepreneurship. His outstanding personal achievements over the past four decades have generated both appreciation and jealousy.

 

CUSTOMERS OF Aana 2 snack bar come from as far as Bulla Hubey and Waxara-Cadde sub-districts, seven kilometres away just to have a samosa and juice.

 

And wedding ceremonies appear more organised when Abdalla is the master of ceremonies.

 

He is capable of keeping the youth on tenterhooks as he describes his love life. His poems makes food more appetising, said a woman who took part in such a wedding.

 

Newspapers in Mogadishu occasionally advertise the latest novel by Ustaaz (Teacher) Abdalla Nurrudin.

 

He does in-depth social analyses of our society in a romantic way," said a fan.

 

Abdalla sometimes combines religious preaching, news broadcasting and presentation of musical programmes in a single day. His radio and TV shows draw in large audiences.

 

Life in other Somali towns without the likes of Abdalla must be quite boring, said Elmi Nur, another of his fans.

 

Products that Abdalla popularises become household names because they are associated with his unique ability to combine message in Somali, Arabic, Italian, English and Swahili.

 

Many people tune in to radio channels that carry his commercials because they are amused by his weird, sexy expressions, said a radio listener.

 

ALTHOUGH EVERYBODY in Somalia ought to have security, those with exceptional qualities like professionals, scientists, academics, artists, religious and business people should get more protection as they have been particularly targeted by killers as has been the case during the past 14 years of civil war.

 

Violence and deaths in Somalia occur as a result of inter-clan wars, inter-militia confrontations, ambushes by gangsters, stray bullets and sniper fire.

 

THE MOST recent victim of the violence was Dunya Mohiddin Nur, a young reporter working with Horn Afrik Media in Mogadishu, who was shot dead on June 5 while trying to find out why an illegal tax collection roadblock was being erected along the strategic motorway linking Mogadishu and Afgoye town.

 

A Mali sage once said, When an old man dies in Africa, it is like an entire library has been burned out. Thus, Abdalla Nurrudin Ahmed, Dunya Mohiddin Nur and their likes are God's gifts to the Somali people and should receive awards and recognition instead of bullets in the chest. The whole nation must show its gratitude to the fallen heroes by wishing Abdalla a quick recovery and praying for Dunya to rest in peace.

 

Public security in Somalia is almost non-existent and recovery is not possible without the nascent government assuming full authority and getting the wheels of justice rolling once again.

 

Abdulkadir Khalif is the former assistant production manager of the Mogadishu Milk Factory.

[Young Jeezy]

The incident took place his Aana 2 snack bar in the Ali Kamin area in the capital. Several shots were reportedly fired at, arguably,

the best known man in Somalia.

How come I never heard of this Cabdalla Nurradin if he is the best known man in Somalia. Even small warlords like Indhacade are better known than him.

 

Anyway somalis are possibably the stupidest group of people on the face of the earth. They target doctors, teachers and other important figures in their communities whenever a war breaks out. They kill the same people who would treat them when they get sick or wounded, the same people who would educate their kids.It is a damn shame.

[Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar]

Originally posted by Waaya Arag:

How come I never heard of this Cabdalla Nurradin if he is the best known man in Somalia.

You may not have heard him because his face is a bit more known than his name. He is abwaan, playwriter, singer, radio broadcaster and comedian. He was in Shumeey ruwaayad. He was, I believe, the composer and singer that well-known song of Meel libaax soo galoow lo' ma joogeyso waala kala leexiyaa liin iyo caano...leeyloo leeyla yaa leeylaa...

 

Eebe hasoo caafiyo, aamiin.

 

[Modesty]

Walahi, nimankaan oo AK-47ka haystaan oo joogan Mogadishu, they are animals, they have no remorse. They only want to attack anyone they view as someone who will better the country. Ilah ha cafiiyo! BTW, I thought for a minute that you were talking about Farah Nuradin, the author best known in the West.