Colonial encounters shaped Hussen’s political ethics and nationalist worldview.

Evidence

First, his journeys from the pastoral camps to different parts of the Somali territories and the tumultuous experience he had gave him a high degree of selfconfidence that instilled in him the will to succeed even against incredible odds. Throughout this period he engaged in self-improvement whether it was on the job or outside it, and such efforts reinforced his sense of self-will. Second, from the personal and professional encounters he had with Italian and British colonialists, he learned the indignity of colonial servitude and the need for Somalis to liberate themselves. The abusive colonial authorities convinced him that the only way out of this enslavement was a deep commitment to and support for SYL principles. Third, from these experiences and his time in the signal squadron he learned how to manage a public office and realized the need for ethical and constitutional limits on the authority of those in power. Fourth, through this long experience he realized that building national institutions requires more than simply coupling shared cultural values. It demands charting a new political road and building political institutions that would enhance traditional commonalties and create new political commonwealth. Fifth, observing how the SYL was able to withstand Italian cruelties and then outmaneuver the Italian political agenda taught him the centrality of unity of purpose in a democratic order as well as the importance of faithfulness to common cause. Sixth, Hussen came to appreciate the value of modesty for those in authority after seeing the injustice that arrogant power perpetrated. Finally, firm in his beliefs, Hussen would encounter the biggest challenge in his life after Italian rule was restored to Southern Somalia. — Abdi Ismail Samatar, Africa’s First Democrats, 218