By GOVAFRIKA Journal | govafrika@gmail.com

Hargeisa, Somaliland – 20 June 2025

Introduction

In a society where traditional authority and formal scholarship have long existed in parallel, few individuals have managed to effectively unite both. One of those rare figures is Mohamed Farah Tahar – a prominent Somali elder and intellectual who has become a symbol of how education and culture can harmoniously reinforce each other in modern Somaliland.

A Dual Role Rooted in Responsibility

Mohamed Farah Tahar, born in 1984 in Hargeisa, wears two deeply respected hats. As a traditional elder (Caaqil), he has played a key role in mediating community disputes and promoting inter-clan harmony, especially in the Maroodi Jeex region.

As a public policy researcher and educator, he holds a Master's degree in Social Research and Public Policy from Golis University and has published extensively on governance, conflict resolution, and Somali oral traditions.

He is also a graduate of the Civil Service Institute (CSI), where he has trained numerous government staff in public administration and community engagement. His academic work is featured on Google Scholar and referenced by regional research institutions.

Uniting the Pen and the Stick

While many elders rely solely on inherited cultural authority, Tahar has redefined leadership by blending intellectual rigor with traditional influence. In clan councils, he is known for applying evidence-based reasoning and integrating research findings into local decision-making.

“My duty is to preserve our values — not by resisting change, but by guiding it with wisdom,”

he stated during a civic roundtable held recently in Hargeisa.

A Voice Against Clanism

For over five years, Tahar has spearheaded campaigns to combat clanism in Somaliland, particularly among youth. He has worked as an instructor in Hargeisa’s secondary schools, teaching Somali literature and culture while promoting unity and tolerance.

His public outreach stresses the importance of replacing clannish loyalty with civic identity and social cohesion.

Respected at Every Table

Mohamed Farah Tahar’s dual fluency in academic and traditional discourse has earned him admiration across social strata. He regularly engages with NGOs, government agencies, and international missions, serving as a trusted intermediary from Somaliland’s traditional leadership.

“He doesn’t just sit in the shade of the tree — he helps plant it, water it, and write its history,”

remarked one civil society leader.

Looking Ahead

As Somaliland seeks international recognition and deepens its governance systems, leaders like Tahar exemplify the harmony between modern public policy and indigenous leadership. His work shows that tradition and innovation can be allies in shaping the future of postcolonial Africa.