Haji Abdi Warabe

Haji Abdikariin Hussein Yusuf (; ca.1897 – 10 May 2019), commonly known as Haji Abdi Warabe , was a prominent Somali peacemaker, traditional leader, and the oldest member of the Somaliland House of Elders (Guurti), where he also served as its vice chairman. He was widely recognized for his long history of reconciliation, peacebuilding, and bringing communities together. “Haji” is a title bestowed upon a person after they have fulfilled the obligation of the Hajj. “Warabe” is a common nickname among Somalis.

Mohamed Bullaleh (commonly known as Haji Warabe) is a different person.

Biography Early life Abdi was born in a rural small town of Toon, located about 12 kilometers south of Hargeisa. In 2012, Haji Abdi Warabe said he could not remember the year he was born, but claimed to be 115 years old. If that is correct, he was born in 1896 or 1897. But the BBC in 2019, citing a direct account from him, dates it to 1898.

He acquired his famous nickname "Waraabe" (which translates to "Hyena") during his youth. While he was a young boy herding camels, his livestock was looted. He relentlessly pursued the rustlers, refusing to give up until he successfully retrieved the camels. Amazed by his resilience, the men remarked, "This one is a hyena," a name that stayed with him for the rest of his life. Warabe subsequently worked for the British colonial government. Following his brother's death, he became the clan chief in 1940. He subsequently made the pilgrimage to Mecca and fulfilled the obligation of the Hajj.

In 2004, When the speaker of the House of Elders died, an election was held to select his successor. Warabe ran for office after receiving a request from other members of the House and obtaining the president’s approval. But the president strongly backed Suleiman Mohamoud Adan, and Warabe withdrew his candidacy to avoid a confrontation. Withdrawing his chairmanship candidacy, Warabe told a parable of an impatient groom whose actions sparked a family brawl, resolved only when the wise father-in-law ordered the crowd to disperse. Warabe likened this to the Guurti election: "The Guurti missed a step by forgetting they must act collectively. Suleiman missed a step by failing to ask for my support, knowing my seniority. The President missed a step by encouraging me to run without disclosing his preferred candidate. But I miss nothing," Warabe declared, applying the parable lesson to himself.

He was interviewed by the BBC in 2012. This was part of the celebrations marking Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th anniversary on the throne, He says that at the time, he could not write. Episodes from his younger days were also aired at that time. The interview generated a great deal of attention.

In November 2017, Abdi Warabe attended a ceremony attended by President Silanyo and Vice President Saylici. During the ceremony, when Abdi Warabe asked the attendant for a drink of water, President Silanyo personally brought him a glass of water, demonstrating just how highly he was regarded. Thereafter, when Muse Bihi Abdi was elected president, Warabe drove to the presidential residence to offer his congratulations. As an aide was about to escort Warabe to the president, the president stopped him, went to the car himself, and apologized to Warabe, saying that he should have been the one to come over and greet him.

Death Haji Abdi Warabe died on 10 May 2019 in Hargeisa. He had been hospitalized at Hargeisa International Hospital for several days prior to his death and passed away there. At the time of his death, his reported age was 121 years old. He was buried in his birthplace Toon. His death was publicly confirmed to the BBC by his son, Ahmed Haji Abdi Warabe.