Mohamed Osman Jawari, Former Speaker of Somalia’s Parliament, Dies at 79

MOGADISHU, (IDNE, News) — Mohamed Osman Jawari, a prominent Somali political figure and former Speaker of the Parliament, passed away on Friday in Mogadishu. He was 79.

Jawari’s career spanned several decades, during which he held multiple key positions in the government of Siad Barre, including Minister of Transport, Minister of Labour, and Minister of Social Affairs. A graduate of Somalia’s Faculty of Law, Jawari played a significant role in shaping the country’s legal and political landscape.

Before his tenure as Speaker, Jawari chaired the constitutional experts committee responsible for drafting Somalia’s current constitution, a cornerstone in the nation’s efforts to rebuild after years of conflict and instability.

Jawari was first elected Speaker of the Parliament in August 2012 and was re-elected in January 2017. His leadership was marked by efforts to stabilize and democratize Somalia’s parliamentary processes. He resigned from his position in April 2018 amid political tensions.

In the wake of his passing, tributes have poured in from across the Somali political spectrum.

Former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo;

Waxaan murugada geerida la qaybsanayaa, tacsi tiiraanyo lehna u dirayaa qoyska, qaraabada, Qaranka iyo dhammaan ummadda Soomaaliyeed ee uu ka geeriyooday, Alle ha u naxariistee, Guddoomiyihii Hore ee Baarlamaanka Prof. Maxamed Sheekh Cusmaan Jawaari. pic.twitter.com/9uUbq2Ys3p

— Mohamed Farmaajo (@M_Farmaajo) June 28, 2024

Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed;

Waxaan guud ahaan ummada Soomaaliyeed uga tacsiyaynayaa geerida naxdinta leh ee ku timid, Alla ha u naxariistee, gudoomiyihii hore ee Golaha Shacabka JFS, Prof. Maxamed Sheekh Cusmaan Jawaari. pic.twitter.com/3u60zlmKR0

— Sharif Sheikh Ahmed (@HESharifShAhmed) June 28, 2024

Former president of Puntland and Prime Minister Abdiweli Gaas;

Inaa lilaahi wa inaa ileehi raajicuun. Allaha u naxariisto Guddoomiyihii hore ee Golaha Shacabka Somalia, Maxamed Shiikh Cusmaan Jawaari. Wuxuu ahaa oday Soomaaliyeed oo dalka u soo shaqeeyey muddo badan. Ilaahay jannadiisa ha ku irsaaqo, ehelkiisana samir iyo iimaan ha ka siiyo.

— Abdiweli M. Ali (@aliabdiweli) June 28, 2024

Former Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke;

Allah u Naxariisto Guddomiye Prof Mohamed Sh. Osma (Jawaari). A remarkable political figure that added value to our system of governance. May Allah have mercy on him and grant him the highest rank of Jannah. Samir iyo Imaan qoyskiisii, asxaabtii siyaasadeed iyo ummada Somaliyeed pic.twitter.com/h9YfriHfwl

— Omar Sharmarke (@OmarSharmarke) June 28, 2024

Numerous current and former government officials and former speakers, have expressed their condolences.

Jawari’s death marks the end of an era for Somalia, as the country remembers a statesman who dedicated his life to public service and the betterment of his nation.