Book Review: Halgan iyo Hoggaan Chronicles the Life of Sheikh Mohamed Haji Yusuf
Halgan iyo Hoggaan, published in July 2026, spans 244 pages. The majority of the book consists of interviews with Sheikh Mohamed Haji Yusuf, recorded by Dr. Omar Warsame and Sheikh Abdullahi Farah Tano between 2001 and 2013. The author is the sheikh’s son, Abdirahman Sheikh Mohamed Haji Yusuf.
The book details the sheikh’s life, focusing on his struggles and leadership. The first part covers his early life, education, and work before the country’s collapse. The latter part describes his leadership of the Gedo administration from 1992 to 1997.
Sheikh Mohamed was not a traditional religious scholar but a politician who held important positions. His decisions influenced many regions. The book also discusses the country’s political and cultural situation, citing events and views from the sheikh’s experiences. The author said the book is written in simple language for easy reading, although the later sections contain exaggerations and unverified claims.
