Abdirazak Hussen entered national politics via an Egyptian UN advisor’s patronage

Evidence

Hussen established a public notary office in Galkayo to earn a living while doing the work of the party. Through his work with the party and his notary business Hussen became a key personality in the town. Meanwhile, the Egyptian member of the UN advisory group, Kamal Eddine Salah, came to Galkayo in 1953 and met Hussen. He was captivated by the young man’s ability and immediately offered him a job. Hussen accepted the offer and joined Salah’s staff in Mogadishu. He was given his own office and a good salary to boot. His duties were to go around the city and gather all types of relevant political information and organize appointments for his boss. Salah was exceptionally pleased with Hussen’s performance and realized the young man had great potential. — Abdi Ismail Samatar, Africa’s First Democrats, 299